South African Rugby Football Union president Brian van Rooyen says he was shocked to discover the lack of proper organisation surrounding the Springboks, and that he had been forced to take over the running of the national team, SABC radio news reported on Wednesday.
He said that in meetings with the Springbok management in Bloemfontein he discovered that no one, not even the coach, had a contract or a job description.
SA Rugby had also failed to find replacements for the team doctor and logistics manager when vacancies occurred. Van Rooyen said the situation reflected badly on the union and those who had described it as a showcase comedy were quite right.
Songeso Nayo, SA Rugby managing director, has refused to comment on criticism that he is responsible for the organisational fiasco which has marred the Springbok team preparations. Van Rooyen reportedly said that SA Rugby Pty Ltd, the professional arm of Sarfu, is not doing its work and that Nayo must take responsibility.
Van Rooyen said he had been in contact with SA Rugby chairperson Theunie Lategan to set up an urgent meeting to discuss the situation, SABC reported. – Sapa