Stefan Terblanche (Backpagepix)

Former Springbok Stefan Terblanche (centre) during day 1 of the SARU Coaching Indaba held at the Southern Sun Newlands, CAPE TOWN, 19 October 2016

©Luigi Bennett/BackpagePix

Covid-19 hits SA Rugby Legends hard, Stefan Terblanche steps down as CEO

The South African Rugby Legends Association has been hard-hit by the ongoing Covid-19 crisis as Stefan Terblanche steps down.

Stefan Terblanche (Backpagepix)

Former Springbok Stefan Terblanche (centre) during day 1 of the SARU Coaching Indaba held at the Southern Sun Newlands, CAPE TOWN, 19 October 2016

©Luigi Bennett/BackpagePix

The South African Rugby Legends Association (SARLA) has been hard-hit by the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

SARLA has had to cancel two of its biggest rugby development programmes – Vuka and Ighawe – after funding for the tournaments was cut.

In addition, former Springbok wing Stefan Terblanche has stepped down as CEO after eight years in the role in order to pursue other interests.

Terblanche’s exit follows a restructuring at SARLA which was urgently implemented in order to bring operating costs in line with revenue being generated.

‘On behalf of the board, the staff and Sarla’s legends, we want to thank Stefan for his valued contribution to SARLA over the past eight years and wish him all the very best in the next chapter of his career,’ said SARLA president Gavin Varejes.

SARLA’s board, which consists of former players and prominent South African businessmen, will oversee the management of the organisation, while the regional offices in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg will remain open.

‘Our hope is to move back to full-time rugby programmes next year, so that SARLA can continue changing lives of the kids in our disadvantaged communities that rely on our development programmes to give them hope for a better future’ said SARLA board member and former Springbok captain, John Smit.