Charl Crous to leave Kings for top PRO14 job

Cape Town - Charl Crous is set to leave the Southern Kings after being appointed as Head of Operations for PRO14 Rugby.

He will begin work in his new role in June 2019 after spending eight years with the Port Elizabeth franchise.

Crous has performed the roles of Chief Operations Officer at the Kings and as Group CEO of Eastern Province Rugby Union since 2012 and has overseen all aspects of the professional franchise's operations in Super Rugby and the PRO14.

The head of operations for PRO14 Rugby is a new role, and the appointment of Crous is part of a long-term growth strategy to expand the administration team that runs the tournament.

Crous will work with Tournament Director David Jordan and Tournament Manager Amy Monaghan to ensure that the highest possible standards are applied across the PRO14 on and off the field.

An attorney by trade, Crous has a decade of legal experience on his CV and has also worked directly for the South African Rugby Union in developing the Southern Kings franchise.

During his eight years in the Eastern Province, Crous built up a wealth of experience across a number of key areas that will add value to his new role in the PRO14 including: major tournament compliance regulations; commercial contracting, match-day operations; long-distance travel and logistics operations; rights management; stakeholder management; and implementation of club administration programmes.  

Speaking about the recruitment of Crous, PRO14 Rugby CEO Martin Anayi, said: "It is vital that we match the growth of the Guinness PRO14 on the field by recruiting key personnel to sustain the success as the Championship goes from strength to strength.

"Throughout the recruitment process Charl presented himself as a very qualified and experienced candidate who impressed at each stage. The operations aspect of the Guinness PRO14 is a vital to the success of the tournament as we deliver key services to our clubs, broadcasters, sponsors and supporters who sit at the very top of our stakeholder tree.

"Charl's experience with the Isuzu Southern Kings and his in-depth knowledge of the rugby landscape in South Africa will be a prized asset for our organisation and he play a key role in further elevating the high standards we have set in the PRO14. The continued growth of our team is positive news for everyone involved in the Championship and we know Charl will prove a welcome addition."

Crous and his family will relocate from Port Elizabeth and will be based in PRO14 Rugby's offices in Dublin.

Outside of rugby, Crous is a distinguished amateur sportsman in cricket, hockey and swimming and has also competed in cross-country running and biathlons.

Speaking about his decision to leave the Southern Kings and take up this opportunity with PRO14 Rugby, Crous said: "I am really looking forward to be a part of the PRO14 administration and working with the team towards strengthening and growing the competition.

"I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that I have been given with the Eastern Province Rugby Union, and for the relationships that I have been able to build over the years.

"The Southern Kings are at an exciting crossroads, with many positive developments taking place, including the conclusion of a multiple-year title sponsorship and the acquisition of an equity partner, which will help to create stability within the franchise.

"I am looking forward to seeing the franchise grow with each new milestone and will continue to work with them in my new capacity as Head of Operations for PRO14 Rugby."