Former rugby boss Mike Stofile dies after illness

[caption id="attachment_101378" align="alignright" width="300"] MIKE STOFILE -[/caption]

TRIBUTES poured in at the weekend following the death of former SA Rugby Union (Saru) deputy president Mike Stofile. He was 57.

He was praised as a fearless leader and activist who worked tirelessly for transformation in the sport.

Stofile, of Alice, died in Port Elizabeth early yesterday, following a long illness.

He was in the intensive care unit at Greenacres Hospital where he died just before 3am.

Saru president Oregan Hoskins said it was with great sadness that they learnt of Stofile’s death.

“I contacted him recently to tell him he was my brother and that he was in my heart,” he said.

“Mike was a proud man who had clear views on rugby and sport, and he unflinchingly stood for what he believed in during his time at Saru. -Estelle Ellis