SA Rugby confirms Rian Oberholzer return as interim CEO
SA Rugby on Friday confirmed the return of former CEO Rian Oberholzer in an interim capacity to fill the vacancy left by the departure of Jurie Roux.
Oberholzer will take up the role immediately and remain in place until permanent appointments are made following a business restructure on the completion of a planned private equity investment.
The 62-year-old previously held the role between 1996 and 2003.
He was tournament director of the 1995 Rugby World Cup, was the first CEO of SANZAR (South Africa New Zealand Australia Rugby) and was instrumental in the establishment of the Super Rugby and Tri-Nations tournaments.
Most recently he was appointed as administrator of the Western Province Rugby Football Union by SA Rugby.
“This is an interim role that required someone able to walk in and hit the ground running,” said the president of the South African Rugby Union Mark Alexander.
“The requirements were for an individual who had an excellent understanding of the local rugby landscape as well as the capacity to engage at the SANZAAR, United Rugby Championship and World Rugby level.”
Oberholzer said: “My role is to give leadership to the operational team and guide them in delivering the strategic objectives that have already been determined by the executive council.
“It is a surprise to find myself back in this role, but the business is well founded – despite some current short-term challenges – and it is an exciting time to be involved with a Rugby World Cup around the corner.”
