SARU fighting more fires on Roux front

Just a day after confirming that they will discuss the position of Roux at the first scheduled executive council meeting – next Friday, February 5 –  SARU President Oregan Hoskins refuted an allegation that they were aware of an inquiry into Roux's employment at Stellenbosch University at the time of his appointment as CEO in 2010.

This follows reports that Roux – according to a preliminary KPMG report – misappropriated funds by "manipulating" financial management systems and having used software that does not leave a "audit trail" to favour the rugby programme during his time at the university.

The damning findings from KPMG audit resulted in questions over SARU's decision to appoint Roux, despite the controversy surrounding his time at the Stellenbosch.

Hoskins moved quickly to clear SARU from any wrongdoing.

"It has been alleged that SA Rugby [SARU] was aware of an inquiry into Jurie Roux's employment at Stellenbosch University at the time of his appointment as SA Rugby CEO in 2010," Hoskins said in a statement.

Hoskins said he would like to refute that claim with facts.

"The appointment of the SA Rugby CEO in 2010 was handled entirely by an external, independent recruitment company," he said.

"The recruitment company received all applications; prepared a shortlist; interviewed candidates and made a recommendation to the General Council of SA Rugby.

"The recommendation of the consultants was accepted by the General Council.

"None of the candidates was interviewed or had any other type of engagement with SA Rugby officials before the appointment.

"The recommendation in regard to Jurie Roux did not include any suggestion of an inquiry into his employment at Stellenbosch."

The university is suing Roux for ZAR35-million – the amount the they believe Roux used to help fund the Maties Rugby Club.