South African rugby side the Blue Bulls confirmed the appointment of Edgar Rathbone as chief executive officer following the resignation of Alfons Meyer.
Rathbone, the current managing director of Ellis Park Stadium Limited, is set to officially begin his tenure on June 1, 2020.
Meyer, who was contracted until the end of the year, is set to leave the team at the end of the month.
As managing director of Ellis Park Stadium, Rathbone is responsible for managing the Ellis Park precinct which includes Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg Stadium and Ellis Park Indoor Arena as well as being the commercial arm of rugby rivals the Lions Rugby Company.
A statement from the Bulls welcomed Rathbone noting that he had what it took to find a balance between the team’s evolution of rugby and dynamic commercial interests.
“He will be instrumental in implementing the Board’s vision of re-establishing the Vodacom Bulls and Blue Bulls as a force on the field, while making Loftus a venue that will become synonymous with great live experiences whether it be rugby, football or other social events,” the statement read in part.
Blue Bulls Company board chairman Pieter Uys described Rathbone as a vibrant young man, with an extremely dynamic mindset and way of thinking to take the Bulls forward.
“Edgar is well respected in the rugby industry and has done some phenomenal work with the Lions. We firmly believe that he will play a major role in taking the Bulls brand forward into a new era.”
Rathbone expressed delight at joining the Bulls saying he hoped to improve on the history of the team which has won three Super Rugby titles.
“I have always had immense respect for the Vodacom Bulls and I’m extremely excited about this new chapter in my life. I am sincerely looking forward to getting stuck in and doing my best to add to the legacy of the Bulls Family. Even though it’s extremely sad saying goodbye to my colleagues at the Lions, I do look forward to making new friends and partnerships at Loftus.”
The Bulls team has been active during the suspension of the Super Rugby restructuring its playing squad and staff as it aims to turn around its fortunes in the game.
