SA Rugby president Mark Alexander has confirmed that Jurie Roux has vacated his position as CEO of the organistation.

According to widespread reports, Alexander announced that Roux had left his post on 31 December after 12 years in office.

“Jurie has finished, he agreed to step down at the end of December. It’s a sad thing, and he stepped down due to things beyond his and our control,” Alexander told IOL Sport. “He stepped down in the best interests of the game and the organisation.”

“Jurie Roux has consistently emphasised his loyalty to the organisation and his desire to do what is in its best interests,” he added in a statement.

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Roux said leading SA Rugby had been a privilege: “The players talk about leaving the jersey in a better condition than when they first received it, and my only hope is that people will say the same of my contribution in time.

“It has been a period of great challenges and some great moments, and I would like to thank my local and international colleagues and our commercial partners for the support they have given to rugby and to me over the past decade.

“I worked with a fantastic group of people daily, and together we have built something amazing that truly unites and inspires our country. Thank you to all the loyal and hardworking staff of SA Rugby; all of you have contributed to the achievements of rugby.”

Roux, who was appointed to the position in 2010, vacates his position amid controversy.

He was reportedly under pressure from Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa after losing his appeal against the guilty verdict in the case related to the misappropriation of R37-million during his time at Stellenbosch University between 2002 and 2010.

It is believed that Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee and Vodacom Bulls counterpart Edgar Rathbone are being considered for the position of SA Rugby CEO, with Rathbone understood to be the preferred candidate.

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