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Stofile, Hoskins in showdown
23/01/2008 09:47 - (SA)
Johannesburg - The meeting between South African Rugby Union (Saru) deputy president Mike Stofile and Super 14-winning former Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer went ahead on Tuesday without Saru president Oregan Hoskins' blessing.
This is the latest development in what has become an open confrontation between the two most powerful men in South African rugby and set up a showdown between the two, less than two months before their presidential election battle.
Although no formal offer was put on the table, Stofile said afterwards that Meyer was "interested" in a prominent position in South African rugby, which seems to be that as South Africa's first Director of Elite Rugby. Stofile did not divulge what that position might entail, and whether Springbok coach Peter de Villiers would have to report to Meyer in that position.
Hoskins again expressed his displeasure in the decision of his deputy to go over his head. He insists Stofile had no mandate to discuss Meyer's future in South African rugby and intimated that the validity or otherwise of what Stofile clearly regards as his mandate be placed before the next president's council meeting for a ruling.
Feedback
According to Stofile, who met Meyer in Johannesburg with Golden Lions president Jannie Ferreira, the meeting was in accordance with his now contentious mandate to enquire about Meyer's interest to play a future role in South African rugby.
When asked whether Meyer would be offered a position, Stofile said that would depend on feedback he receives from members of the president's council.
On this issue, too, Hoskins seems to disagree. "There is a process to be followed. Anyone can apply for the position," Hoskins is quoted as saying in Beeld.
In fact, even World Cup winning coach Jake White could apply for the position, according to Hoskins - "and it will probably happen," he said in Beeld.
Meyer has had offers from elsewhere, and it is said that he is interested in a job at Toulon, where his former Bulls captain Victor Matfield is now playing.
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Rugby
