Controversial African National Congress MP John Ncinane has quit as president of the Border Rugby Football Union.
Head coach of the union Kobus van der Merwe said on Thursday that Ncinane sent the union a fax on Wednesday evening, saying he was resigning with immediate effect.
The fax gave no reasons, he said.
However East London's Daily Dispatch quoted Ncinane as saying:
"This is my decision and it has nothing to do with the fraud charges against me and it won't affect my position as ANC MP."
Ncinane had been suspended from the presidency pending the outcome of a court case in which he has pleaded not guilty to charges of misappropriating more than R330 00 in rugby development funds.
His next court appearance will be in January.
The charges relate to an accident repair bill for Ncinane's private vehicle, allegedly settled with development funds.
Van Der Merwe said he expected the union would call a meeting possibly within days to elect a successor to Ncinane.
In November last year, Ncinane received a tongue-lashing in the National Assembly from Speaker Dr Frene Ginwala for fraudulently using parliamentary air tickets.
The ANC suspended his membership of the party, but suspended the suspension for ten years.
He could not be reached for comment on Thursday. - Sapa