The Lions / Golden Lions Rugby Union have announced that CEO Manie Booysen will hand over his responsibilities to Rudolf Straeuli on 1st June 2014 when his current contract expires.
GLRU Media Release
CEO MANIE BOOYSEN HANDS REINS TO RUDOLF STRAEULI
Golden Lions Rugby Union President Kevin de Klerk today announced that, as of June 1st 2014, CEO Manie Booysen will hand over his position to current General Manager: Professional Rugby, Rudolf Straeuli. This following the conclusion of his current contract.
Booysen, who joined the GLRU on contract in January 2013, had the responsibility of re-structuring the business, including the Ellis Park Pty Ltd organisation. He did this alongside all stakeholders at the Union.
His mandate also included, together with the Board, EXCO and staff of the GLRU, to work towards the Lions regaining their position as participants in the Vodacom Super Rugby competition.
His services will still be called upon as and when required over the upcoming months.
Booysen thanked the President and GLRU Board for the opportunity afforded him; to be part of a team involved in a turnaround process within the Lions business.
“The highlights of my relatively short period in office include the GLRU’s successful hosting of the Springboks versus All Blacks Test in October 2013 and the performances of all GLRU teams during the 2013 season,” Booysen said.
De Klerk expressed his gratitude towards Booysen for his commitment throughout his tenure in office.
“Lions Rugby has a clear and sincere appreciation for Booysen’s contributions to the Union over his time in office,” he shared.
“His integrity and passion for the Lions has been of the highest calibre and the Union can only express their profound appreciation for his commitment to the Lions and the game of rugby as a whole.”
De Klerk, together with the GLRU Board and staff wish Booysen every success with his future endeavours and welcome Straeuli into his new role.
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Given the Lions’ past lack of transparency with both the media and the public at large in general and the scant information contained in the media release above, one can expect a great number of conspiracy theories and speculation to bounce back and forth regarding the REAL reasons for Manie’s departure.
Manie was perceieved as quite open and approachable by those who had dealings with him and we can only wonder at what has bought this change about.
Whilst change within any organisation is inevitable, one really has to question whether this is good for a Rugby Union already on the ropes as far as both on-field performance and financial stability is concerned.
Good luck Mr Straeuli. I think you are going to need lots of it.
Whisky Tango Foxtrot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kamp Staaldraad, record as Bok coach and performance as head of recruitment at the Sharks notwithstanding, I will reserve judgment and give him the benefit of the doubt.
@ Lion4ever:
What BUSSINESS experience does he have.
Lions going backwards IMHO.
@ Scrumdown:
I just hope that he will do the job properly.
He should be up for it…went to Menlo High with GBS, also a ‘prokurower’ of note, and his father Hans played scrumhalf for NTvl.
Quite an impressive pedigree, wouldn’t you say, especially the GBS connection
Oh, and his sister Rene is married to Johan Roux, a notorious money broker and WC 95 winning scrumhalf.
I think that’s enough….
@ Pietman:
If he can make money for the union then all well and good. But can he get us back on the winning track?
@ Lion4ever:
The Ellis Park crowd will be there in droves if the Lions get back to their winning ways of yesteryear. Just need some solid sponsorships befitting of the City of Gold to reinforce and retain their player base.
Straeuli did this very successfully at the Bulldogs and Sharks academy, he is the right man for the job, I think.
That Lion4ever ‘Kamp Staaldraad’ was merely an attempt to follow Ron Woodward’ England squad who had gone in 2003 through a hell week training with the Royal Marines, it did work well for the Poms
Those who complained at the time were Paulse, Davids and Sephaka, no one else
I wonder why?
🙂
@ Hondo:
If that’s true then maybe it was because they were the only ones bold enough to challenge the status quo. Don’t know Ron Woodward.
@ Bullscot:
Maybe Clive Woodward?
@ Hondo:
Military training done by professional military personnel very different to military style training by some ex 2 year national service corporal. My recollection of the issue is that it was a real amateurish attempt at team building through hardships.
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