Rugby�s old guard in comeback bid
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday January 15, 2016 13:47
Mmegi Sport is reliably informed that former members Dave Gilbert, Bob Lekan and Oupa Pandor are expected to challenge Elijah Jones for the presidency. Jones has indicated he is willing to continue in his position.
He said he believes he has a lot to offer rugby. He said according to the new strategic plan, the next executive committee will be in office for four years. He said the two-year term arrangement has been halted as it does not give office bearers sufficient time to carry out their mandate. Former president, Gilbert told Mmegi Sport that his position as Africa Rugby (AR) vice president makes it ineligible for him to contest the local post although he had applied for a waiver. Gilbert said some affiliates have approached him and asked him to assist in running the BRU.
“I have asked for permission from Africa Rugby and World Rugby Board to contest and I expect them to respond before end of next week. That will give me an opportunity to make a decision to challenge for the BRU presidency,” he said.
He said if the affiliates want him, he cannot let them down. Gilbert said the union is faced with a mammoth task of acquiring sponsorship for the league and the national team. He said if given a chance, that will be his main priority.
For his part, another former president, Lekan said he is still consulting with affiliates on whether to contest or not. He said if they feel that he can add value to BRU, he is ready for the task.
He said if Gilbert is contesting for presidency, he will not challenge him but can take another role in the committee.
Lekan said the two of them have qualities that can benefit rugby.
Meanwhile, Jones said they are waiting for a response from the World Rugby Board regarding adverse findings in two urine samples of Sevens national team players.
Jones said BRU has decided to appeal the findings and that can happen after receiving the report. The players were part of the team that competed at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games qualifiers held in Johannesburg in November. “The World Rugby Board accepted our request when we asked for an extension because we just came from holidays. We have to do a lot to protect the players,” said Jones.