Hoskins gives Boks coach full support

South African Rugby Union (Saru) head Oregan Hoskins has pledged his full support for new Springbok coach Peter de Villiers.

The two men met in Durban on Wednesday and had a fruitful discussion about the way forward for South African rugby.

"Peter has been tasked with the massive responsibility of coaching the Springboks and it is vital that all of us give him our whole-hearted support," said Hoskins.

"He can count on my support and encouragement one hundred per cent," the president added.

De Villiers was just as positive about his meeting with Hoskins.

"We spoke openly and the president was very honest with me," said De Villiers.

"I am glad that we had the opportunity to discuss matters regarding the future of rugby in our country."

Commenting on a possibility of meeting former Blue Bulls mentor Heyneke Meyer to bring him into the SA Rugby structures, Hoskins said: "I communicated to Meyer's agent last week that it would be appropriate for me to first meet with Peter, before I go ahead with meeting Heyneke.

"I also explained this to Peter."

Earlier this week Hoskins's deputy, Mike Stofile, met with Meyer to sound him out about his future in South African rugby.

Meyer has apparently been offered a position with French club Toulon after his three Currie Cup championships with the Blue Bulls and Super 14 title last year.

The meeting between Stofile and Meyer though, took place without a mandate from the Saru president's council and has irked Hoskins, who will bring up the issue at the next meeting.

It has emerged that Stofile will more than likely be running against Hoskins in March for the Saru presidency and the two are set for a colossal showdown in the boardroom.