Sport and Recreation Minister Ngconde Balfour lamented Rian Oberholzer’s departure from South African rugby on Friday, but at the same time said it was ”understandable”.
”It was evident after our performances at the Rugby World Cup that there would be tremendous pressure on individuals in the game to step aside,” he said in a statement.
”While it is regrettable when sport loses the services of capable administrators, I understand the circumstances that resulted in Rian Oberholzer and Rudolf Straeuli vacating their positions.
”During the tenure of the former Springbok coach, I met him at various occasions and he was always frank and open during these discussions. However, given the current circumstances, his decision to leave rugby is likely to be in the best interests of the game,” Balfour said.
The departure of Oberholzer from rugby left a void that would be challenging to fill.
”There is absolutely no doubt that Rian brought a dimension to rugby administration that never existed in the past.
”His was always a difficult position to fill and with the advent of professionalism in rugby, he displayed the acumen and ability that made the transition period more manageable.
”It is unfortunate that his services are no longer available to rugby but I am of the view that he can still play a meaningful role within the broader South African sports movement.
”It is always tough when your family is targeted because of differences that people might have with you. It appears that Rian’s family was not spared this. In this regard, I can only appeal to everyone in rugby not to lose sight of our true objectives for the sport,” Balfour said.
Golden Lions vice-president Brian Van Rooyen was elected unopposed after incumbent Silas Nkanunu revealed at the union’s annual general meeting at Newlands on Friday that he would not stand for the post.
The shock move came a day after coach Straeuli and managing director Oberholzer resigned from their posts on Thursday. — Sapa