Neville Jardine has been appointed as the new president of the Golden Lions Rugby Union.

This follows the resignation of Kevin de Klerk last month.

Jardine is the son of the late Bill Jardine, who was the convenor of selectors of the South African Rugby Union and a Springbok selector for the 1995 World Cup.

He comes from a family with a strong rugby heritage and has served rugby as a player, referee and administrator for more than 40 years.

He is currently employed by a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company.

‘It is an honour to serve the Lions as president,’ said Jardine. ‘After 25 years on the chairmans’ council and serving as deputy president since 2009, I feel ready to take on this new role. I look forward to working with all the clubs to strengthen club rugby.

‘Altmann [Allers] is a very important financial investor in the company and I look forward to working with him and his team to strengthen our financial position in the coming years.’