The meeting between South African Rugby Union (Saru) deputy president Mike Stofile and former Blue Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer apparently went ahead on Tuesday without Saru president Oregan Hoskins’ blessing.
This is the latest development in what has become an open confrontation between the two most powerful men in South African rugby and sets the stage for a showdown, less than two months before the presidential election battle.
Although no formal offer was put on the table, Stofile said afterwards that Meyer was ”interested” in a prominent position in South African rugby, which seems to be that of the country’s first director of elite rugby.
Stofile did not divulge what that position might entail, and whether Springbok coach Peter de Villiers would have to
report to Meyer in that position.
Hoskins again expressed his displeasure at the decision of his deputy to go over his head. He said Stofile had no mandate to discuss Meyer’s future in South African rugby.
When asked whether Meyer would be offered a position, Stofile said that would depend on feedback he receives from members of the President’s Council.
On this issue, too, Hoskins seems to disagree. ”There is a process to be followed. Anyone can apply for the position,” Hoskins was quoted as saying in Beeld.
In fact, even World Cup winning coach Jake White could apply for the position, according to Hoskins — ”and it will probably happen,” he was quoted as saying in the paper.
Meyer apparently has had offers from elsewhere, and it is said that he is interested in a job at Toulon, where former Bulls captain Victor Matfield is now playing. – Sapa