Cape Town - South African rugby has been rocked by the shock resignation of South African Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins during a meeting a general meeting in Johannesburg on Wednesday morning.
Hoskins was set to be in the firing line at this meeting of the 14 rugby unions, with as many as 10 of the provinces calling for his head.
And it seems like he jumped before he was pushed when he announced his resignation at the start of the meeting. Hoskins was South African rugby's longest serving president after taking over from Brian van Rooyen in 2006.
“I have enjoyed a remarkable ten-and-a-half years in one of the most high-profile roles in South African sport, and have enjoyed some incredible highs,” Hoskins said.
“It has been a pleasure and a privilege and I want to thank everyone involved in South African rugby for the fantastic journey we have shared.
“There have also been plenty of challenges to confront, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way – it’s an indication of how much our sport matters in this country."
Over the last few years, though, Hoskins became an unpopular figure within the rugby fraternity for his handling of a few sensitive matters such as the collapse of the Eastern Province Kings.
Last year he was also criticised for not coming down hard enough on former coach Heyneke Meyer for his lack of transformation of the Springbok team.
Hoskins also fell out with Saru chief executive Jurie Roux, and wanted him to be suspended following allegations of financial mismanagement during Roux's time at Stellenbosch University.
“At the time of my election I never imagined that I would still be here ten years later and I look back with considerable satisfaction over what has been achieved in that time," Hoskins said.
"However, over recent months we have faced tough challenges and had some tough conversations which has made me think about my role and my future.
“Being president of SA Rugby has become a full-time job and with my term due to end in 18 months’ time I decided that, after a decade in the job, it was now time to start the next phase of my career, although I have no firm plans as yet, and allow someone else to take on this important role.”
Mark Alexander, deputy president, will act as interim president until an election can be held.
Independent Media