Ronald Bantom returned to the executive leadership fold of Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) at its annual general meeting held on Monday night after securing victory in a contested election.

The Union held a by-election to select a candidate for the vacancy on the Executive Committee left by Kevin Kiewitz who resigned earlier this year.

Bantom was prevented from contesting the vice-presidency position at its 2018 annual general meeting, a position eventually filled by Spencer King.

Bantom, an Honours graduate from the University of the Western Cape and currently serving as vice chairperson of Bellville Rugby Club, brings a wealth of community, schools and club rugby experience to the leadership of the Union.

He coached the first team of his beloved Kasselvlei High school for 12 years and still serves the school as the Principal.

His junior rugby exposure outside of coaching include his contribution as convener of selectors to the Western Province schools’ structure for eight years from 1998 to 2006 and also as selector of the WP Schools U19 team and the SA Schools team.

Players that developed under his tutelage include Springbok Johannes (Bolla) Conradie, Germaine Brinkhuys, Reagan Petersen and ex-Maties star wing and current Cheetahs player Duncan Saal.

Given the pressure on the current leadership of the WPRFU from all fronts, his addition to the exco could be viewed by many as a timeous return of a seasoned administrator to bolster the current leadership structure.