Mark Alexander Secures Final Four Year Term Following Uncontested South African Rugby Presidency Nomination

Mark Alexander stands unopposed for the SARU presidency. Learn about the upcoming 2026 elections and new gender mandates for the Executive Council.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 5:53 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

The Uncontested Mandate for Alexander

The administrative future of South African rugby reached a point of clarity this week as Mark Alexander emerged as the only candidate for the role of president. Following the closure of the official nomination window on Monday, it was revealed that Alexander had secured the backing of 11 member unions within the South African Rugby Union. This lack of opposition effectively guarantees his stay at the helm of the organization, a position he has held since first stepping into an interim capacity a decade ago.

A Decade of Leadership Transitions

Alexander originally assumed the presidential responsibilities in 2016, following the departure of the previous incumbent, Oregan Hoskins. Over the subsequent years, he transitioned from an interim leader to a permanent fixture in the governance of the sport in South Africa. This latest development marks the beginning of what is designated as his third and final full term, signaling a period of continuity for the union as it navigates the post-World Cup landscape and internal structural shifts.

The Race for the Executive Council

While the presidency remained unchallenged, the battle for seats on the SARU Executive Council has drawn significant interest from across the regional unions. Eight candidates have come forward to vie for two available positions on the council. The incumbents, Hennie Baartman and Randall September, are seeking a second term but face a diverse field of challengers representing unions such as the Blue Bulls, Free State, and Eastern Province. This contested election highlights a broad desire for involvement in the strategic direction of the sport at a committee level.