JOHANNESBURG – Neville Jardine, an almost lifelong servant of Golden Lions rugby, is now the new president of the union.
Jardine, who has served on the chairman’s council of the union for 25 years, takes over from former boss Kevin de Klerk, who earlier this month decided he would be stepping down as the union’s leader after filling the top seat since 2009.
De Klerk said Jardine, who served as the union’s deputy president alongside the former Springbok lock, was a popular choice to lead the union.
“Neville was my deputy during my time as president... he walked the road with me through some difficult years and was also a part of the successes we had,” said De Klerk yesterday.
“Neville is a man of integrity. He is a gracious person and a popular choice among his peers.”
The Golden Lions Rugby Union is pleased to announce that Neville Jardine has been appointed as the newly elected president following the resignation of Kevin de Klerk recently. pic.twitter.com/D0ot9BB8vj
— Xerox Golden Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) September 17, 2018
Jardine said he was honoured to be entrusted with the union’s presidency. “I am ready to take on this new role,” he said after being elected to the position on Monday night.
“I am looking forward to working with all the clubs to strengthen club rugby, and in Altmann Allers we have a very important financial investor who I look forward to working with to strengthen our financial position in the coming years.”
Neville Jardine (right) and his brothers pictured at the stadium that carries their father Bill's name. Photo: SupaRugby on facebook
Jardine is the son of the late Bill Jardine, who was convener of selectors of the South African Rugby Union and subsequently a selector for the 1995 World Cup.
Neville has been involved in rugby for more than 40 years, from being a player, to a referee and an administrator.