Flip van der Merwe has resigned as Biarritz president, stepping away from all ownership and managerial roles due to “strategic decisions” at the French club.
The former Springbok lock cited a disconnect with the club’s “values and direction” as his reason for leaving.
Van der Merwe, who played 36 Tests, joined forces with Shaun Hegarty and Marc Baget earlier this year to rescue the Pro D2 side.
In an open letter shared on social media, he reflected on the challenges and highlights of his tenure, stating that “too many cooks spoil the broth.”
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“The last seven months have been a pleasure, seeing the team develop into the force it should be,” he wrote. “However, certain strategic decisions have led me to step away.”
Van der Merwe leaves Biarritz in fourth place in France’s second division and expressed pride in stabilising the once-struggling outfit.
“I leave the club in a better position than I found it and am proud of what we’ve achieved,” he added.
Photo: Steve Bardens/Getty Images for Barbarians
