De Villiers given free reign
Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:57
Re-elected South African Rugby Union (SARU) president Oregan Hoskins said on Friday that the union's constitution had been amended to allow Springbok coach Peter de Villiers to have the final say in the selection of the national team.
Hoskins told the media at the SARU Annual General Meeting (AGM) all the delegates at the meeting had signed the resolution for the amendment to be effected.
According to Hoskins, one delegate was initially opposed to the amendment, but he had subsequently relented.
"A motion was passed after a final signature was obtained and now the Springbok head coach will have the final say if there is a selection dispute with the Springbok selectors," said Hoskins.
"This is in line with international trends anyway."
Hoskins' comments followed just moments after he defeated his former deputy, Mike Stofile, in a head-to-head race for the top job in South African rugby.
"I thought about asking officials what the final count was, but I haven't done so," said Hoskins.
"But I'm quite pleased to have won, and that I've been given the thumbs up to serve for the next two years.
"And it will be for the next two years only, it won't be longer than that."
Hoskins assured the media he will continue to promote transformation in rugby, and it was a matter SARU have given a great a deal of attention in recent weeks.
"SARU's staff and consultants have been doing scorecards around the country on transformation and I can say progress has been made," Hoskins said.
"There has been a huge improvement and that has been measured scientifically, rather than emotionally. I'm happy with the stand taken by the organization on transformation, we've taken a strong stand on transformation."
Hoskins added transformation won't happen overnight but there were tangible signs it was happening when one looked at schools and club rugby teams.
"Transformation is not just about colour and numbers. It's about transforming our thinking, about coping with challenges facing us at international level. It's more than just changing the racial dynamics.
"Smaller unions were given the assurance the SARU leadership will look at their plight and Hoskins said it was not only a lack of finances that was a problem, but also the management of finances that needed to be addressed."
Hoskins said the recent television deal with the pay channel SuperSport will ensure SARU's unions will be better off and it will also strengthen SA Rugby's hand when negotiating future SANZAR (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby) deals for the Super 14 and Tri-Nations competitions.
Earlier, in his presidential address, Hoskins said the matter of a Super 14 franchise in the Eastern Cape was receiving attention.
"SARU's planning includes plotting a Super 14 future for a South Eastern Cape franchise. We have appointed a dedicated manager to chart the way forward in the region as the union establish sound principles of governance, financial viability and player resources in preparation for the moment."
The matter of the Springbok emblem also got a mention in Hoskins' address.
"The future of the Springbok emblem also dominates our forward thinking.
"It has more than mere symbolic meaning to South African rugby; it is an important source of revenue and a symbol of rugby excellence both here and around the world.
"It is understandable, considering our past, that in our society there are sectors who seek to kill the emblem. But is our duty to convince the decision-makers in this country that
retention of the
Springbok is right for rugby, and it is right for South Africa."
Hoskins said that SARU supports the inclusion of Argentina and the Pacific Islands in an expanded Tri-Nations.
"The Super 14 and Tri-Nations need revitalizing and a revamp. But most importantly, we need to see a leveling of the playing field, that has seen our Australian partners being given a distinct advantage over us by way of our travelling commitments."
