Marinos to head Sanzar
ANDY Marinos will be Sanzar’s new chief executive officer.
The former Welsh international and long-time 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 Sowetan reached Marinos in Sydney yesterday, the battery of his cellphone ran on empty. He later said 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.
Until 2011 the position of chief executive as well as chairman of Sanzar had been awarded on a rotational basis between the member associations.
Marinos also held the position of Saru ’ s manager of national teams and as well as commercial manager.
It was in the latter position 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 Springboks 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 Marinos 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 – South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.