SA Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux. Picture: Gallo Images
SA Rugby has confirmed that it has parted ways with its CEO, Jurie Roux.
Roux had been in the position for 12 years.
Mark Alexander, President of the South African Rugby Union, said Roux left at the end of 2022 by mutual agreement due to speculation about his future.
“Jurie Roux has consistently emphasised his loyalty to the organisation and his desire to do what is in its best interests,” said Alexander.
This comes after Roux was found to have misappropriated funds from Stellenbosch University during his time heading its finance department. He was ordered to pay the university R37-million, which he is fighting in court.
In 2013, a KPMG audit report found that he manipulated accounting software to transfer university funds between accounts without authorisation.
Alexander said the the SA Rugby Union will appoint an acting CEO by the end of January. The process to appoint a successor would be advised in due course, he added.
“I have never doubted Jurie’s commitment to SA Rugby and this decision was not an easy one for anyone who has worked closely with Jurie for more than a decade – both here and overseas,” said Alexander.
Roux said leading SA Rugby had been a privilege.
“The players talk about leaving the jersey in a better condition than when they first received it, and my only hope is that people will say the same of my contribution in time,” he said.
Roux was appointed CEO in 2010 and was the longest-serving CEO of a major World Rugby federation.
Alexander said Roux leaves SA Rugby well-placed and played an important role in the organisation’s transformation plan.
“Jurie was a key driver along with the President and the Executive Council in the development of SA Rugby’s Strategic Transformation Plan 2030 – which is already paying handsome dividends on and off the field – and a key contributor to South African rugby’s journey to a private equity partnership,” said Alexander.
He said that Roux was at the helm during two of the worst periods in the history of rugby in South Africa since democracy.
“The first was in 2016 – when the sports ministry acted against several sports, including rugby, over the perceived pace of transformation,” said Alexander. “We were barred from bidding for international events, sponsors turned their backs on us, and the challenges were compounded by poor on-field performances.
NOW READ: Jurie Roux and SA Rugby part ways — report
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