I hope you don't mind, but I'm just going to add-on to what you already said.
• Permitting 74% shareholdings in commercial arms of rugby unions by private equity partners.
== As long as it doesn't become another corrupt scheme for the tjommies to line their pockets with kick backs and bribes. If the investment doesn't make its way to the players and their retention for the domestic game - then it's all for nothing.
I think actually it's going to prevent the kick-backs from happening. The private sector will be under more scrutiny with regard to payments and using the funds. And on the other hand, the investors will want to see value and returns on their investments.
And that will inevitably be results on the field.
• Increasing the make-up of the independent and player representation on the Executive Council to five independents with six elected members.
== I guess to pass a motion they only need 50% so elected members will still make up the majority votes and they will be responsible for the appointment of the CEO and coach.
I agree with a more balanced exec and I guess this goes some way towards that - just hope the independents and player rep are untouchable.
I think this will increase the player welfare aspect in decisions being made.
• Introducing new committees for franchise (Vodacom Super Rugby) and non-franchise rugby to focus and streamline decision making.
== Finally some good news - definitely a more co-ordinated approach needed.
Agreed, hopefully the big unions (which are in charge of the Super Rugby Franchises), will get more sway with the board, and not get constantly bullied by the smaller unions.
• Moving responsibility for the appointment of the Springbok coach and CEO from the General Council to the Executive Council.
== Good result - though elected hold the power and may be swayed by self preservation and easily coerced to do the political bidding of others.
Pity this didn't happen earlier. It will bring in more pressure on selecting the right coach AND assistant coaches!
• Removing the selection committee while retaining a selection convenor to work with national team coaches.
== I suspect this is designed to keep the political agenda on track regarding targets 2019.
Would it though? The role of the convenor would be more to as an advisory role, the National team coaches will still select the team. Perhaps this will prevent us from selecting overseas based players who aren't in form at the moment.
• Aligning with the country's geopolitical boundaries by moving to nine members of SA Rugby, while retaining 14 playing unions
== Agree the larger unions need greater say over smaller unions.
Again, finally this has happened. I guess there was some form of inevitability to this when the Bulls signed agreements with Border and Boland.
• Reducing the presidential roles from three to two by removing the vice presidency from 2018
== To what end? I don't have a problem with this - I just fail to see any direct or indirect benefits re "state of play"
One less big salary to be paid... But my question would be, what was the vice president's role in the first place?
