Rudolf Straeuli’s tumultuous tenure as Springbok coach seems set to come to an acrimonious end on Thursday, with indications now that the former Bok No 8 will not resign from his post as was reported on Wednesday.
The Star newspaper reported that Straeuli was going to do the honourable thing and fall on his sword before the board of SA Rugby (Pty) Ltd did, what many critics believe is inevitable, and fire him.
Now it seems Straeuli and the Board of SA Rugby will go head-to-head in a bitter battle that could drag on for months.
The newspaper quoted a ”senior rugby official” as saying that Straeuli was in talks with top rugby bosses in an attempt to thrash out a settlement that would benefit both parties.
Said the source in The Star: ”Negotiations have begun between SA Rugby and Rudolf for him to stand down. I can’t provide finer details of the talks, but discussions are definitely taking place,” the source said.
Straeuli though, has never once indicated he would take the money and run, despite the mounting pressure from all quarters. Later on Wednesday the contradicting story emerged with another reliable source at SA Rugby adamant that Straeuli would not resign and in fact intends to outline a proposal for the future of Springbok rugby in his much-anticipated post-mortem report to the
board on Thursday.
”Rudolf will present his report and in it he has several ideas that map out his plan for the future of Springbok rugby,” said the senior source within SA rugby, who spoke to Sapa on condition of anonymity.
”It is highly unlikely that he will step down. I’ve seen all those reports (saying he will resign) and it’s not going to happen,” confirmed the source.
The former Border Bulldogs mentor could make up to R2-million from a possible severance package so is unlikely to ”settle” for anything less from the apparent negotiations.
”He doesn’t want to go and from what I understand he will fight all the way (to keep his job),” added the source.
Since Straeuli took over the reins of the Bok team, ironically on April Fool’s Day last year, he has overseen four record defeats to France, Scotland, England and New Zealand. His charges have been accused of foul play on numerous occasions.
The infamous ”Kamp Staaldraad” and an overall record of only 12 wins from 23 starts seems to indicate that Straeuli is waiting for a miracle to keep his job.
The feeling amongst top rugby personalities is that Straeuli should go — whether he resigns or is booted out — while Sarfu president Silas Nkanunu was quoted as saying that ”Kamp Staaldraad” was ”reprehensible”.
That, however, could be too little too late for the Port Elizabeth lawyer, who faces a stern test of his character when he comes face to face with the Lions’ Brian van Rooyen at Friday’s Sarfu AGM.
Straeuli was unavailable for comment on Wednesday. – Sapa