Petersen quits Springbok camp

2006-05-17 14:33

Bloemfontein - The Springbok training camp began on Wednesday with the removal of manager Arthob Petersen.

CEO of SA Rugby Pty Ltd Johan Prinsloo said that Petersen had vacated his position "with immediate effect".

While Prinsloo said the decision and resultant negotiations were amicable, there was still one issue to be sorted out but he would not mention what that was.

Prinsloo added that there would be no replacement as the current management structure was strong enough to allow the team to function efficiently.

"He wants to apply his full-time attention and efforts to his current projects and has therefore decided it would be in the best interest of all to vacate the position of team manager," said Prinsloo rather diplomatically.

What he did not say was that SA Rugby had made overtures to Morne du Plessis to take over the role, a task he performed admirably, in part resulting in the Boks winning the World Cup in 1995.

"We won't rush into naming a replacement as there will be no disruption to the team as yet," he added.

Springbok coach Jake White said, "The team has been together for three years now, but it is still too early to tell."

Prinsloo went on to say in a prepared statement handed out to media that: "He (Petersen) had a long association of successful management within the national rugby administration where he served on various key decision-making bodies."

The team will kick off their on-field training schedule on Thursday at Shimla Park.

- SAPA