Oregan Hoskins steps down as SA Rugby president
The president of South African Rugby, Oregan Hoskins, has announced that he will retire before the end of his elected term.
Oregan Hoskins announced today that he was stepping down as president of the South African Rugby Union after a decade of service and achievement.
Hoskins advised the membership of SA Rugby at a meeting of the General Council in Johannesburg earlier today.
“I have enjoyed a remarkable ten and a half years in one of the most high-profile roles in South African sport and have enjoyed some incredible highs,” said Mr Hoskins.
“It has been a pleasure and a privilege and I want to thank everyone involved in South African rugby for the fantastic journey we have shared.
“There have also been plenty of challenges to confront but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way – it’s an indication of how much our sport matters in this country.
“At the time of my election I never imagined that I would still be here ten years later and I look back with considerable satisfaction over what has been achieved in that time. However, over recent months we have faced tough challenges and had some tough conversations which has made me think about my role and my future.
“Being president of SA Rugby has become a full-time job and with my term due to end in 18 months’ time I decided that, after a decade in the job, it was now time to start the next phase of my career, although I have no firm plans as yet, and allow someone else to take on this important role,” Hoskins said.
He was elected for a two-year term in February 2006, when he opposed incumbent, Brian van Rooyen. He was elected to the executive of the International Rugby Board (IRB) – now World Rugby – in the same year and rose to be vice-chairman of the organisation before opting not to stand for re-election in May this year.
He was re-elected as SA Rugby president one a further three occasions in 2008 (two years) and for four-year terms in 2010 and 2014.
A number of notable landmarks were achieved during his presidency with the winning of the Rugby World Cup in 2007, a series victory over the British & Irish Lions, the Tri-Nations title and Sevens titles – including Commonwealth gold and an Olympic bronze medal at the Olympics. A number of world age group titles were also won.
Hoskins also oversaw the expansion of elite playing opportunities for SA players with the addition of two South African teams to the Super Rugby competition and he also introduced stability to the national coaching position. Only three Springbok coaches were appointed during his presidency while there were six appointments in the previous decade.
The General Council paid tribute to Hoskins’ contribution to rugby, both domestically and internationally as an office bearer at World Rugby.
He was commended for bringing stability and returning credibility to SA Rugby at a turbulent time in 2006 and for ceaselessly striving for consensus in the game.
Mark Alexander, deputy president, will act as interim president until an election can be held.
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