Western Province Rugby would like to join the South African Rugby Union in extending its condolences to the family of former SARU Deputy President Mike Stofile, who passed away at the weekend.

SARU President, Mr Oregan Hoskins, said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we learnt today of the passing of Mike Stofile, a former Deputy President of the South African Rugby Union (SARU). I contacted him recently to tell him he was my brother and that he was in my 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 two years and deputy president for a further two 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 I remember celebrating winning the Rugby World Cup with him in Paris in 2007.

“His insights were instructive and his voice always heeded. He made his mark. His family has my deepest sympathies.”