Marinos gets Sanzar’s plum job

ANDY Marinos executive.

The former Welsh international and longtime South African rugby office-bearer was supposed to be unveiled as Sanzar’s new boss next Monday, but that may well be brought forward. He replaces Brendan Morris, who has kept the seat warm in a caretaker capacity after Greg Peters vacated the position earlier this year to become chief executive of the Argentina Rugby Union.

When Times Media Sport reached Marinos in Sydney yesterday the battery of his mobile phone apparently ran on empty. He later let it be known that he could not comment until his appointment is confirmed.

Marinos had occupied Sanzar’s high seat before but that was by virtue of his position as the South African Rugby Union’s (Saru) acting managing director in 2009.

Marinos also held the position of Saru’s manager of national teams as well as commercial manager. It was in the latter position

will

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Sanzar’s new chief that he drew sharp criticism for his role in the Frans Steyn image rights debacle. Steyn went into self-imposed exile as a result of the dispute and hasn’t played for the Boks since.

Marinos also came under fire in his playing days for his involvement in the Stormers’ proposed player’s strike ahead of their Super Rugby semifinal against the Highlanders in 1999. The players demanded win bonuses, which retailer Pick n Pay paid.

The biggest initial challenge that he is likely to face in the Sanzar hot seat is the smooth delivery of the first Super Rugby competition that includes teams from outside the three founder nations. New Japanese side the Sunwolves was asked at the end of August to provide answers pertaining to their less than studious recruitment strategy.

Of equal concern is the lack of funding at the Kings, who are returning to Super Rugby. It is already inhibiting their ability to recruit players that can mount a serious challenge in next season’s competition.