/ 24 March 2006

SA Rugby to meet sports ministry over Van Rooyen

South African Rugby Union (Saru) president Oregan Hoskins, deputy president Mike Stofile, vice-president Koos Basson and Presidents Council member Professor Jannie Ferreira are scheduled to set up a meeting with the Ministry of Sport and Recreation to discuss the way forward on the investigation of corporate governance charges against former Saru president Brian Van Rooyen.

At the first Presidents Council meeting of the newly-elected Saru presidency, it was agreed that the matter of the investigation should continue to be jointly handled by Saru and the ministry. The meeting regarded the resolution of the Van Rooyen investigation as urgent. It was mainly legal issues that had delayed the process.

The meeting further resolved to rescind an earlier decision to pay for Van Rooyen’s legal fees for the probe, on the basis that an earlier Presidents Council meeting had not been provided with enough information to make a proper decision.

”It was a good meeting,” said Hoskins. ”We resolved to take all our decisions based on what is in the best interests of rugby. There must be no personal agendas. That is how we will work with all the stakeholders of rugby, including the government and sponsors.”

The appointment of national coaches was also confirmed, subject to individual contracts. They are: Chester Williams (SA A), Peter De Villiers (Under 21); Eugene Eloff (Under 19), David Dobela (Springbok Women) and Paul Treu (Springbok Sevens).

Along with national coach Jake White, convener Peter Jooste and Ian McIntosh will stay on as selectors.

Deputy president Mike Stofile and SARU Deputy CEO Mveleli Ncula will represent SARU at the Confederation of African Rugby.

Other resolutions are:

  • The allocation of Test matches to Provinces has been confirmed.
  • Proposals on changes in existing competitions will be discussed with the sponsors.
  • Presidents Council is not dismissing Griqualand West’s desire to continue with court case against SA Rugby, but wishes to pursue the matter amicably, within the spirit of the good of the game.
  • To accept that the A international competition that was scheduled for June 2006 will no longer take place.
  • — Sapa