SA Rugby has confirmed that Jurie Roux is no longer its chief executive officer (CEO) but is still in the federation as a contractor.
Mark Alexander, President of the South African Rugby Union, said the decision was mutually agreed on in the wake of speculation about Roux’s future.
“Jurie Roux has consistently emphasised his loyalty to the organisation and his desire to do what is in its best interest,” Alexander said.
The 52-year-old has justifiably been lauded for his 12-year tenure at SA Rugby, where he spearheaded the implementation of a strategic transformation plan, navigated the local game’s excellent handling of the Covid-19 pandemic in terms of finances, and is on the cusp of completing a landmark equity deal with CVC Capital Partners.
However, his departure does not just come with a happy ending as he 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 found that he manipulated accounting software to transfer university funds between accounts without authorisation.
The ongoing civil case made his position untenable despite the revelation coming three years after his appointment at SA Rugby.
Nonetheless, Roux will continue with his mandate to get the equity transaction, which would represent a landmark moment in the local game’s financial history, ratified in the name of “business continuity”.
“To complete ongoing initiatives, in the best interest of rugby, Roux will be contracted to complete the implementation of the mooted equity transaction, as well as the handover to his successor, who will be appointed once the equity negotiations are finalised,” SA Rugby said in a statement.
Alexander said 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.
It is understood that Abubakar Saban, SA Rugby’s incumbent chief finance officer, is earmarked for the position before a permanent appointment is made.
Source: SA Rugby, The Citizen, News24, The South African, image from Twitter: @Tictabets