Biarritz's SA born President leaves club in open letter

NEWS: South Africa international Flip van der Merwe has resigned from his position as President of Biarritz amid internal disagreements.

Van der Merwe was revealed as the new president and chairman of the management board of struggling second-division side Biarritz in April this year as part of a takeover that also included the club's former players Shaun Hegarty and Marc Baget.

The Pro D2 club, home of Serge Blanco and once one of the top sides in France slipped out of the Top 14 in 2022 and currently sits in fourth place in France’s second division.

Van der Merwe, who played 36 times for the Boks before joining Clermont between 2015 and 2019, took over as president from Jean-Baptiste Aldige who was at the helm since he and owner Louis-Vincent Gave bought the club in 2018.

The 39-year-old revealed in a statement on social media that “too many cooks spoil the broth.”

Van der Merwe writes that he believes the Basque club is in a “better position” now after saving it from going under.

“The last seven months at the club have been an immense pleasure to see the Biarritz Olympique Rugby team develop into the force that it should be,” he wrote on social media. “It is life’s greatest fulfillment to give players and coaches the environment to express themselves and then seeing them taking pleasure and pride in what they do while meeting their goals, we are not just building a rugby club, but better men and women for society.

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“Meeting like-minded supporters and sponsors who want their club to achieve at the highest level has warmed my heart and renewed my passion for rugby as a foreigner in the Basque country. I particularly want to thank Otium Capital and Mr Sterin for having faith in our project.

“As I said in my letter to staff when I was replaced as General Director in July, I will always value the input and tenacity they have shown in difficult times, and I have not only made new colleagues but have made new friends. I reiterate my sentiments.

“As with life and rugby, too many cooks spoil the broth, and through certain strategic decisions made recently, I no longer align with the values and direction of the club. I am therefore stepping away from any ownership and managerial responsibilities and I am convinced that it will serve the club better.

“I wish Shaun and his team all the best, and I am sure the foundations laid will carry the team well into the future.

“I leave the club in a better position than what I have found it and for that I am proud.”