Mark Alexander Set For Final Term As South african Rugby Union President

Image by Rugby Afrique and Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

Mark Alexander is set to continue as president of the South African Rugby Union after being the sole nominee for the role ahead of the federation’s upcoming elections.

Alexander, who has led SARU since 2016, secured backing from 11 member unions and is expected to formally begin his third and final term at the Annual General Meeting in Cape Town on 14 May.

The uncontested nomination points to a degree of leadership continuity at the top of South African rugby, as the organisation navigates both commercial and performance priorities within a changing global rugby landscape.

Alongside the presidency, eight candidates have been nominated for two available seats on the Executive Council, including incumbents Hennie Baartman and Randall September. Under SARU’s governance framework, at least one of the successful candidates must be a woman, reinforcing ongoing efforts to improve representation at board level.

The outcome of the elections will shape the next phase of governance for South African rugby, with leadership stability and board composition remaining key factors in the union’s strategic direction.