Where there is smoke, there is fire!

I remember that quite a few of us wanted John Smit in the Springbok coaching setup, instead of the team, before the 2011 Rugby World Cup, well rumours would have us believe that John Smit could become the next CEO at the Sharks Rugby Union, in place of the retiring Brian van Zyl.

The Sharks have issued a statement confirming that a board meeting will be confirmed on Monday 15 April.

Furthermore, they have refused to issue any comment on a “media report” that has circulated this morning; this clearly refers to the John Smit story broken by the Mercury.

Reading between the lines, the Mercury was spot on in their analysis and we can expect a formal confirmation of Smit’s appointment on Monday or Tuesday, once the Sharks’ board has ratified the move.

If there were no truth to the rumour, I’m sure the Sharks would be denying it outright, rather than refusing to comment.

Smit has lots to offer – Griffiths

Former SA Rugby Union CEO and current Saracens chief Edward Griffiths says John Smit would make a valuable contribution to South African rugby if he is appointed Sharks CEO.

This comes after the Durban-based Mercury newspaper ran a front-page storysaying Smit, South Africa’s most capped player and their 2007 World Cup-winning skipper, will be confirmed as chief executive at a meeting of the Sharks board on Monday and could be in position in July. He will take over from Brian van Zyl, who is due to retire next year, the paper said.

Griffiths told the UK’s Press Association Sport that the ex-Shark’s appointment would break new ground in rugby administration in South Africa.

“It would also be a great step forward for South African rugby to bring into a leading administrative position somebody who has recently retired from the game,” said Griffiths.

“That hasn’t been the pattern in South African rugby. In fact, it hasn’t really been the pattern in rugby anywhere because rugby can be a game where the upper echelons of administration are clogged up by, for want of a better word, blazers.

“I think it would be a breath of fresh air for South African rugby and big step forward.”

Griffiths also does not feel Smit’s lack of experience would be an issue.

“Every business, every club is essentially about communication and bringing people together behind common goals. He has proven with the Springboks and others that he is brilliantly skilled at that. He is an individual of the very highest quality.

“Whether you are talking about an international bank or a rugby club, any organisation would be in good hands if it was led by John Smit.”

If appointed, the 35-year-old Smit will become the youngest chief executive of a South African Super Rugby team. He currently plays for England’s Saracens and was set to join French club Toulon on a short-term contract next year. However, the Sharks reportedly negotiated Smit’s release from that Toulon contract and he could take up his new role at the end of the Super Rugby season.

The Sharks will issue a media release regarding the appointment on Tuesday.