The Isuzu Southern Kings will have to start hunting for a new chief operating officer after long-serving Charl Crous was appointed head of operations for Guinness PRO14 Rugby in Dublin.
Crous has spent eight years with the Kings and his loss will be sorely felt as the franchise readies itself to be taken over by a business consortium.
He has performed the roles of chief operating officer at the Kings and as Group CEO of the Eastern Province Rugby Union since 2012 and has overseen all aspects of the professional franchise’s operations in Super Rugby and the Guinness PRO14.
The head of operations for PRO14 Rugby is a new role and the appointment of Crous is part of a long-term growth strategy to expand the administration team that runs the tournament.
Crous will work with tournament director David Jordan and tournament manager Amy Monaghan to ensure that the highest possible standards are applied across the PRO14 on and off the field.
An attorney by trade, Crous has a decade of legal experience on his CV and has also worked directly for the South African Rugby Union in developing the Southern Kings franchise.
During his eight years in the Eastern Province, Crous built up a wealth of experience across a number of key areas that will add value to his new role in the PRO14.
PRO14 Rugby CEO Martin Anayi said: “It is vital that we match the growth of the PRO14 on the field by recruiting key personnel to sustain the success as the championship goes from strength to strength.
“Throughout the recruitment process Charl presented himself as a very qualified and experienced candidate who impressed at each stage.
“Charl’s experience with the Southern Kings and his indepth knowledge of the rugby landscape in South Africa will be a prized asset for our organisation and he will play a key role in further elevating the high standards we have set in the Guinness PRO14.
“The continued growth of our team is positive news for everyone involved in the championship and we know Charl will prove a welcome addition.”
Crous and his family will relocate from Port Elizabeth and he will be based in PRO14 Rugby’s offices in Dublin.
Crous said: “I am really looking forward to be a part of the PRO14 administration and working with the team towards strengthening and growing the competition.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that I have been given with the Eastern Province Rugby Union, and for the relationships that I have been able to build over the years.
“The Southern Kings are at an exciting crossroads, with many positive developments taking place, including the conclusion of a multiple-year title sponsorship and the acquisition of an equity partner, which will help to create stability within the franchise.
“I am looking forward to seeing the franchise grow with each new milestone and will continue to work with them in my new capacity as head of operations for PRO14 Rugby.”