Stephen Nell

Cape Town – Springbok manager Arthob Petersen is available to be elected as office bearer in the South African Rugby Union’s (SARU) forthcoming elections.

“Everything depends on whether I’m nominated or not. If that is the case, I will stand,” said Petersen in responding to a query from Sport24.

Petersen did not link himself with a specific position, but will definitely not oppose Oregan Hoskins as president.

“I am not available for the position of president. There are already strong contenders. I have a lot of respect for what has been done over the last few years.”

Mark Alexander and Mike Stofile have already stated that they intend opposing Hoskins.

A fierce battle is expected for the position of deputy president on election day on March 26.

Should Petersen be nominated for the post of deputy, he may well compete with Rautie Rautenbach, Hein Mentz and Tobie Titus.

As far as the position of vice-president goes, the names of Dawie Groenewald and James Stoffberg have been linked.

In addition, four provincial representatives and two independent directors will be elected.

Nominations close on March 5.

Rautenbach, who is currently SARU’s vice-president, confirmed to Sport24 that he is available for the position of deputy president.

“I have already been nominated,” he said.

Mentz will decide this week whether he will make himself available.

“I am considering it. There is a meeting of my union (the Pumas) on Tuesday night and I will decide then. If the union is comfortable, I will make a final decision.”

Titus, who is president of Western Province, was not available for comment.

Groenewald, who is president of Griquas, confirmed that he may be a contender for the position of SARU vice-president.

“I have a decision to make in the next week. If I stand, it will only be for the position of vice-president,” he said.

“The reason I have not made a final decision is that there are still one or two things I would like to finish at Griquas.”

Stoffberg, who is the president of the Leopards, was not available for comment.

Meanwhile, Stofile has denied rumours that he would not be available for the position of president.

Even if he is not elected, Stofile will serve as independent director until March 2011.

Jan Marais, chairperson of SARU’s interim executive council, is also certain of his position until March 2011.