Sharks president Oregan Hoskins has been elected president of the South African Rugby Union, defeating incumbent Brian van Rooyen at the annual general meeting held on Friday.
Former vice-president Mike Stofile was elected deputy president and Western Province’s Koos Basson has been appointed as vice-president.
On his arrival at the Newlands offices Hoskins had expressed confidence in his chances. ”I am a little tense, but confident,” Hoskins told the South African Press Association as he emerged from the parking lot.
”It is a big office and an important position. I would certainly be privileged and honoured to be elected.”
Minutes before the election Van Rooyen defended his position, reminding the sports administrators of what had been achieved under his leadership.
”I had inherited a ramshackled ship and today I hand over a seaworthy vessel,” he told the Saru AGM.
”It would be preposterous to blow my own trumpet, but history will show that Brian van Rooyen has achieved more for SA rugby than any of his predecessors.”
Van Rooyen said the sport had suffered setbacks in the past year but these had been overshadowed by triumphs and achievements.
He criticised those accusing him of being a dictator and autocrat, and said they wanted to get rid of him because of ”personal agendas” and ”group loyalties”.
As to the ongoing internal inquiry into alleged financial mismanagement, Van Rooyen asked to be given a chance to state his side of the story.
He bore no grudges towards anyone in Saru, Van Rooyen said, and, in concluding his presidential address, thanked all rugby administrators. – Sapa