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A total of 12 of South Africa’s 14 rugby presidents urgently want answers from the South African Rugby Union (Saru) about the latest state of affairs regarding its negotiations for a main sponsor of the Currie Cup series, as well as for the Springboks.
With 11 of the 14 union presidents having attended a “crisis meeting” in Johannesburg this week, they will now insist on a special meeting just before Saru’s planned general meeting on April 1.
It is understood the “poor communication” between Saru president Oregan Hoskins and the governing body’s executive will be at the top of the agenda.
The presidents also have “many unanswered questions” about the ongoing Jurie Roux saga and the delayed process of appointing the new Springbok coach, City Press stablemate Rapport was told.
Roux is currently being sued by his former employer, the University of Stellenbosch, in the Western Cape High Court, for more than R30 million for alleged financial irregularities.
“In short, the presidents are sick of having to read in the papers what is happening in South African rugby,” an informed source said.
“It looks especially bad that Oregan recently contacted the presidents individually, but gave different messages to them. My feeling is that he has now lost the support of the presidents and if the changes requested by the presidents at the special meeting finally go through, it will be difficult for him to stay on as Saru president.But there is no no-confidence motion planned against him, although there is now probably more pressure on him than on Jurie.”
Rapport also learned that Saru’s constitution would also be discussed, especially regarding the powers and composition of the executive.
The main sponsor is an equally large concern. Banking giant Absa’s contract expired in December.
Roux is leading the search for a new sponsor after Andy Marinos, who previously was Saru’s commercial and marketing manager, was appointed CEO of Sanzar.
