The process of rectifying problems which have plagued Border rugby over past months is nearing completion with the appointment of Basil Haddad as the union's new CEO.

Haddad, until his resignation in June last year, had been managing director of the Daily Dispatch.

The Border Rugby Football Union (BRFU) was last year severely hampered by a corruption scandal involving president John Ncinane and acting chief executive Guy Hedderwick. The latter was asked to leave, while Ncinane resigned.

Charges of alleged fraud were laid against the two, but Hedderwick confirmed on Thursday from Cape Town that all charges against him have been dropped. It's believed the charges against Ncinane still stand.

Hedderwick, who raised close to R13-million in two years for the BRFU, has subsequently taken up a position as general manager of Hellenic Football Club.

In helping the troubled union, the South African Football Union (Sarfu) in November seconded its general manager of transformation, Songezo Nayo, to act as administrator of the BRFU with the aim of rectifying problems and restoring normality.

According to Corder Tilney, chairman of the Board of Directors of Border Rugby, the restructuring also includes the appointment of a general manager by the end of this month.

Tilney said on Thursday he was confident the correct structures would be in place to ensure the smooth co-operation between Border (Pty) Ltd and the union.

"We have worked closely with company and union officials, as well as Sarfu, to ensure the correct steps have been taken for effective and successful management."

Acting BRFU president William Caga said Sarfu's involvement had helped greatly in putting a frame work in place with which to take Border rugby forward.

Nayo said Border rugby could look forward to a positive 2002. "There is so much potential in this region and Sarfu could not stand by idly and watch rugby suffer."

Haddad, who has already taken up his appointment and has been up to his ears in daily meetings, said he was excited looking forward to the challenge. "With support from all the stakeholders, there's no reason why Border rugby cannot again go forward with confidence."

The Spoornet Bulldogs open their Vodacom Cup campaign with a match against Western Province at the Absa Stadium on February 22. - Sapa