/ 2 February 2004

Morne du Plessis resigns from Sarfu

One of the four independent directors of SA Rugby, Morne Du Plessis, resigned after a Sarfu bosberaad at the weekend.

The SABC reported on Monday that it was believed that sweeping changes were approved at the bosberaad, which will see the union taking control of all rugby matters.

In his resignation letter, Du Plessis said he was not been able to contribute constructively as an independent director and that he did not find it possible to do so under the current structure and proposed changes.

The former Springbok rugby captain said that SA Rugby PTY LTD is in fact an extension of SARFU and it’s President and is set to become more so.

Meanwhile, the deputy managing director of SA Rugby, Songezo Nayo, said that the candidates shortlisted for the job of Springbok coach ”have got what it takes to lead the Boks to victory again”.

Four of the eight candidates were being interviewed at Sarfu’s headquaters in Cape Town on Monday.

They are Rudi Joubert, Carel du Plessis, Gert Smal and Pieter de Villiers. Jerome Paarwater, Chester Williams, Jake White and Dumisani Mhani. They will face the six member committee on Tuesday.

Nayo said the process was also bringing stability to rugby in South Africa. The new coach is expected to be announced soon because of the Boks’ upcoming Tests against Ireland and Wales in South Africa in June. – Sapa