The Blue Bulls’ controversial High-Performance Manager announced his resignation on Tuesday.

The Bulls’ High-Performance Manager, Xander Janse van Rensburg, caused a slight upheaval in Pretoria’s rugby community on Tuesday when it became known that he had resigned from his position at Loftus Versfeld.

Janse van Rensburg’s resignation was later officially confirmed by the Blue Bulls Company (BBCo).

He has been an integral part of the Bulls since 2010 and in charge of the High-Performance department since 2011.

Janse van Rensburg’s future plans are not yet known and according to the statement he “is looking forward to taking some time to re-evaluate his career, while spending some quality time with his family, before announcing his next chapter”.

Alfonso Meyer, BBCo new CEO, wished the outgoing High-Performance Manager well.

“On behalf of everybody at Loftus, I would like to wish him everything of the best with the next phase of his life,” said Meyer.

Janse van Rensburg, one who has always worn his heart on sleeve, expressed his gratitude.

“This was not an easy decision to make, I have come to love this brand that is deeply entrenched within me, and I shall forever be a supporter thereof. I would like to specifically thank the Board of Directors, CEOs, Presidents, players, sponsors, staff, management personnel and most importantly the fans that has supported me. I wish the team, the franchise and the stakeholders all the best for a future filled with victories, trophies and celebrations,” he said.

Although his resignation comes as a surprise almost a year before his contract with the Bulls ends, it is also known that Janse van Rensburg has been under enormous pressure in recent months. He was sometimes harshly criticized for some of the decisions made regarding recruitment of players.

The serious underperformance of the Blue Bulls’ junior teams over the past few seasons – unlike previous years – has also led to fingers pointing to Janse van Rensburg and his department.

Although Janse van Rensburg was supported in some circles at Loftus Versfeld, it is also no secret that he was very unpopular among many supporters, administrators and even some players. Several former players and some high-profile players who have left the Bulls over the past few seasons to play elsewhere in South Africa and overseas have expressed serious criticism about him.

The Blue Bulls Company will at a later stage make an announcement about Janse van Rensburg’s replacement or on the future structure of their High-Performance Department.