The CEO of the Mpumalanga Rugby Union (MRU), Pieter Burger, will be leaving the Lowveld to take up the position of managing director of Ellis Park Stadium (Pty) Ltd.

The Hoërskool Nelspruit alumnus said he was excited about his move to Johannesburg.

He started his tenure at the MRU in January 2015.

“I am going to miss all the people and players, past and present, who I worked with at the MRU. The friendships I have formed I have never encountered before in the corporate world. The passion of people in the rugby fraternity is something else,” Burger said.

“We celebrated victories and won trophies. I believe I will be leaving the Pumas in a better way than I found them. We have worked hard together to do something for the city and the province,” he said.

ALSO READ: Gallery: Ten years since Mbombela hosted 2010 Fifa World Cup matches

Burger is looking forward to his new career.

“I feel extremely honoured, blessed and privileged to be considered for the sought-after position. Even more so given the tough times and uncertainty so many fellow South Africans are enduring.”

“The Pumas moulded my career and made me who I am today. I learned a lot and look forward to continued growth and learning until my last day.

“I have no doubt that the loyal supporter base (of the Pumas) will continue to grow, as will the brand.

“The rugby industry is extremely fluid and dynamic. Combine this with a diverse beautiful country like South Africa, and there is truly never a dull moment. We are in the entertainment industry after all,” Burger said.

“We believe that his strategic business and management skills will bring valuable experience to the Lions Group,” said Altmann Allers, chairman of Ellis Park Stadium (Pty) Ltd.

“Burger has demonstrated through his career the ability to work successfully in different environments. Working with him in SA Rugby and on the South African Rugby Employers’ Organisation as a colleague, I look forward to Pieter bringing exciting new skills and ideas to the group,” added Rudolf Straeuli, CEO of the Lions Group.

“Altmann (Allers), Rudolf (Straeuli) and the rest of the staff at the Lions and EPS are innovative, experienced and I have the utmost respect for them. When you have successful and passionate people like that in an organisation, it is truly infectious. It creates an environment that is not only sustainable but stimulates creativity and breeds success on all levels” concluded Burger.

He will step into his new office at Ellis Park Stadium (Pty) Ltd on August 3.