Oregan Hoskins tells CRAIG LEWIS a combination of factors led to his decision to step down as president of SA Rugby.

Hoskins announced his resignation at a meeting of the general council in Johannesburg on Wednesday, with his deputy, Mark Alexander, set to act as interim president until an election can be held.

Following his decision, Hoskins conceded to SARugbymag.co.za that he had recently experienced challenges with 'some of the issues in SA Rugby', but still reiterated that he would leave with many fond memories.

‘I don’t want to elaborate on some of the difficulties that have been faced. I have announced my decision to step down, and I feel like I have done my duty and remain very grateful to have had this opportunity to serve for more than a decade. I feel like it’s now time to step down and for fresh blood to take over. The decision [to resign] was probably based on a combination of the two [challenging issues and allowing fresh blood to take over].’

Hoskins, who began his tenure at the beginning of 2006, has faced a particularly tumultuous time at the helm of SA Rugby this year, with ongoing issues widely reported to have caused a split in the leadership’s upper hierarchy.

One of the particularly divisive issues is believed to have related to the allegations against CEO Jurie Roux, who faces claims of financial mismanagement during his time as senior director of finance at Stellenbosch University and chairman of the rugby club.

There was also talk of tension between Hoskins and SA Rugby’s former head of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, while recent reports suggested that the majority of the provincial unions was increasingly in favour of him stepping down.

Hoskins’ term was due to end in 18 months’ time, with the outgoing president having been re-elected in 2008 (two years), and for four-year terms in 2010 and 2014.

‘I can reflect fondly on some great achievements at SA Rugby [during this time], with the Boks winning the World Cup [in 2007], a series victory over the British & Irish Lions, a Tri-Nations title and sevens titles, including Commonwealth gold and a bronze medal at the Rio Olympics, while there have also been age-group titles. I gave it my best, but it’s now time to move on.’

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