Jurie Roux: I hope people remember my contribution to SA Rugby

Jurie Roux has spoken out for the first time since his dismissal as CEO of SA Rugby. Here’s what he had to say.

SA Rugby has confirmed that Roux had left his post on 31 December 2022 after 12 years in office.

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His departure as SA Rugby big boss comes after Roux lost his appeal against the guilty verdict in the case related to the misappropriation of R37 million from the finance department of Stellenbosch University between 2002 and 2010, when he was head of the institution’s finance department. 

While Roux is said to never have taken money for personal gain, Maties rugby club benefited from his actions, according to the courts, and Roux was ordered to pay back the misallocated funds to the university.

Jurie Roux initially didn’t show any intention of resigning from his post as SA Rugby’s Chief Operating Officer and was contracted until the end of the 2023 World Cup in France. 

However, Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa put pressure on SA Rugby to speed up Roux’s departure, arguing that his position had become untenable and that Jurie Roux should vacate his post by the end of 2022.

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JURIE ROUX STATEMENT ON SA RUGBY DEPARTURE:

Commenting on his the abrupt end to his tenure at SA Rugby CEO, Jurie Roux said is was a privilege to serve the organisation and that he hopes he leaves the position in a better condition than it had been when he took office.

“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,” Jurie Roux said.

“It has been a period of great challenges and some great moments, and I would like to thank my local and international colleagues and our commercial partners for the support they have given to rugby and to me over the past decade.

“I worked with a fantastic group of people daily, and together we have built something amazing that truly unites and inspires our country. Thank you to all the loyal and hardworking staff of SA Rugby; all of you have contributed to the achievements of rugby.”

In a statement released on Friday, SA Rugby confirmed that the process to appoint Roux’s successor would be advised in due course while an acting CEO would be appointed before the end of the month.

It is believed that Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee and Bulls counterpart Edgar Rathbone are being considered for the position, with Rathbone understood to be the preferred candidate.

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