Jurie Roux (File)

Cape Town - Jurie Roux, the senior director of finances and asset management at Stellenbosch University, was named the new chief executive of the South African Rugby Union (SARU) at a meeting of the organisation's General Council on Friday. Roux's appointment is expected to be confirmed shortly following the conclusion of contract negotiations.

The General Council accepted the recommendation of an independent interview panel.

Roux, 39, has considerable experience of rugby administration and is currently vice-president of the Western Province Rugby Union, a director of the board of Western Province Rugby (Pty) Ltd, chairperson of the Stellenbosch University Rugby Football Club and chairperson of the Varsity Cup (Pty) Ltd. He is a former Maties fullback.

"An exhaustive process of assessments and interviews was undertaken to identify a high-calibre short list of five from an original list of 84 applicants," said SARU president Oregan Hoskins.

"To preserve the integrity of the process the name of the preferred candidate was known only to the independent interview panel until today's General Council.

"All of the candidates were subject to a rigorous set of interviews and assessments to identify the best individual. We cast the net wide to ensure we found a CEO with the necessary skills to not only lead a sporting organisation but also a large scale and successful business.

"Jurie has a wealth of experience in rugby as well as proven business acumen and we're looking forward to his taking operational leadership of the organisation and completing the process of restructuring following the dissolving of SA Rugby (Pty) Ltd into Saru.

"We expect to tie-up the contractual details shortly after which the appointment will be confirmed," said Hoskins.

Roux said, "I regard this role as the pinnacle for any professional involved in South African sport. It has major challenges but also many stimulating opportunities."

Roux is expected to take up the position on September 1.