A motion of no confidence in South African Rugby Union (Saru) president Oregan Hoskins looks increasingly likely after one provincial president yesterday referred to him as "a dead man walking". Hoskins, who has been in the job since 2006, is in the firing line for his handling of several contentious issues.His presidency has particularly taken strain in the wake of charges of misappropriation against Saru chief executive Jurie Roux by Stellenbosch University over the alleged misappropriation of R35-million during his time as senior financial director at the Western Cape institution.story_article_left1An official who wished to remain anonymous said among his colleagues who serve on the general council there was growing frustration at Hoskins' leadership."It's not just the Jurie Roux affair. I don't know what mandate he has been acting on."Provincial presidents are said to be unhappy that Hoskins wants to take action against Roux. They feel the Roux matter should run its course in court.Asked specifically if a motion of no confidence was on the cards, he said: "Not yet."Another delegate, when asked if a motion of no confidence was in the pipeline, said: "I've heard the same. This is serious. A lot has happened over the last two weeks or so."The image of Saru is not good and the game has been brought into disrepute," said the union president.While the issue around Roux may be the tipping point, provincial presidents are frustrated by a number of issues afflicting the sport."Stellenbosch University hasn't done anything to advance their case against Roux," said a provincial chief. "Hoskins is the only person in Saru driving this. People are questioning his modus operandi. What is behind this? Is it being pushed by a third force?"Hoskins phoned the [provincial] presidents and essentially bad-mouthed the folks who sit on the executive council after their last meeting. He called them fence-sitters, rude and corrupt. I say that's unethical."Are we serious about appointing a Springbok coach? How can Hoskins write to the committee that is supposed to recommend a new coach with his own recommendation?story_article_right2"Hoskins's behaviour of late has been irrational."He went on to list transformation and the Eastern Province Kings as matters requiring urgent attention.Kevin de Klerk, the Golden Lions president, was a bit more measured. "I don't think people quite comprehend the demands on a Saru president. It's enormous. Our function would generally be to support the president. If the organisation heads into trouble things should be reviewed. At the moment, there is nothing substantive enough."Another provincial chief said his union was yet to meet to discuss the matter. "As such, we don't hold a definitive view on the matter. We don't have the facts."He, however, lamented the fact that the KPMG report to look into Roux's affairs while active at the university had not been circulated among council members.The report outlines how Roux directed funds from the university into its rugby club.Asked why the provincial unions have not been put in possession of the report, the provincial president said: "I don't know. We do, however, have a meeting on April 1 and I want to raise the matter there."Western Province rugby boss Thelo Wakefield also questioned the dearth of information on the matter."There definitely isn't a nice atmosphere in rugby at the moment. I don't like it. Sanity must be restored," said Wakefield.Should there be a move to remove Hoskins from office, Saru have to serve notice a month in advance of a special general meeting. The next general council meeting is scheduled for April 1. Hoskins declined to comment.sports@timesmedia.co.za..