Mike Stofile

SARU says that it was with great sadness that they learnt on 21 September of the passing of Mike Stofile, a former deputy president of the South African Rugby Union (SARU). Mr Oregan Hoskins said he contacted him recently to tell him he was Hoskin’ brother and that he was in his heart.

Mike was a proud man who had clear views on rugby and sport and he unflinchingly stood for what he believed in his time at SARU. He was vice-president for 2 years and deputy president for a further 2 until 2008 after holding the presidency of the Border Rugby Union.

He publicly fought with his own president of the time – Brian van Rooyen – when he believed the game was being led astray but there were good times as well and he is remembered celebrating winning the Rugby World Cup with the Springboks in Paris in 2007.

According to Hoskins, his insights were instructive and his voice always heeded. He made his mark. Hoskins said that his family has his deepest sympathies.