We've come too far to let 'sinister' political agendas destroy South African rugby - Eloff
OPINION: Rugby 365 columnist and two-time World Rugby Junior Championship winner Eugene Eloff pleads for South African rugby not to cannibalise itself for the sake of pushing political agendas.
I want to appeal, no plead, for all the interested parties that we build this beautiful game, not destroy it.
The COVID-19 pandemic has already been cataclysmal for sport all over the world – including the game of rugby. It has had a huge impact on the financial sustainability and the survival of national unions, franchises and clubs.
It is well-documented that some unions are battling financially, with the Falcons the latest to file for liquidation.
Kevin de Klerk, the former Lions President and a man I respect immensely, recently wrote an article about the “crisis” rugby finds itself in. He alluded to the financial challenges and the concomitant harm it can do to the game if these issues are not resolved.
When we contextualise the financial repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic with the prevailing zeitgeist of the Black Lives Matter movement, we see that rugby is facing its very own winter of discontent.
Rugby in South Africa has always been a political playball.
We remember all too well the isolation years – when sweeping sanctions during apartheid prevented South Africa from competing in the global arena.
The world-wide abhorrence towards apartheid was justifiable and merited, while rugby in South Africa suffered the consequences of the politicising of the game locally and abroad.
Fast forward to 1995, when our boys in Green and Gold won the World Cup – with Francois Pienaar proudly proclaiming that the win was not just for the 62,000 fans at Ellis Park, but for all 43 million South Africans.
The game of rugby was seen as a vehicle of reconciliation and forged a sense of pride for all South Africans – regardless of race, creed or colour.
The retiring Nick Williams has spoken #StrongestMan #DuaneVermeulen #Springboks pic.twitter.com/yJXTJRoVeQ
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) August 7, 2020
The Springboks have since won the Webb Ellis Cup twice more, 2007 and 2019.
These events (read World Cup victories) succeeded in uniting our nation – especially the rugby communities – and made us all proud to be South African.
We need to build on those successes, not break it down and cause more polarization in rugby.
The BLM movement is currently gathering momentum around the world. However, people are of the opinion that there are other forces, with sinister agendas, piggybacking on this movement and in the process ripping the heart out of the movement and the ideology emanating from the tragic circumstances upon which it was built.
Could Maro Itoje at blindside be the answer for the Lions to Pieter Steph du Toit? #Lions2021 #BritishAndIrishLions pic.twitter.com/UEZflLY1Gf
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) August 6, 2020
Here in SA the BLM has given impetus to disgruntlement among a group of non-white coaches and former players.
For rugby in South Africa it is indeed our Winter of Discontent.
Some coaches are of the opinion that they have been ignored and passed over for strategic coaching positions, despite them having the expertise, skills and qualifications for said assignments.
They argue that these positions have been assigned to favoured white coaches.
While there are indeed merit in some of these arguments, we must caution against throwing the proverbial baby out with the bathwater and destroying the game we all love so much.
Make no mistake, there has indeed been discrimination – with all coaches not always being given the opportunity to apply for certain positions. In some instances, there were those that were given positions purely as ‘window-dressing’.
However, there are individuals and organizations that thrive on conflict, disruptions, discontent and gleefully derive pleasure from the failure of those who are genuinely trying to drive the game forward.
Using a political platform as a point of departure gives rugby a militant flavour and immediately creates a sense of distrust, offence and may actually defeat the purpose well-meant intentions of others.
We have great coaches of all races and they should all be given the same opportunities and access to apply for professional positions.
So how do we do this?
I would suggest we have objective independent bodies – watchdog committees – to ensure that coaches of all races will have the same platform to air their grievances, as well as being given a level playing field and equal access to coaching positions based on merit.
These bodies (watchdogs) will also ensure that the correct protocols are followed in this process.
So, with the euphoria still in our hearts of our recent World Cup win, we should be reminded that rugby again is an example of a shining star that will pave the way forward – guidance for future generations of talented rugby players in this country, who want to play purely for the love of the game.
Stop with the distractions and politicising and get back to the game.
For the love of the game let us build and not destroy. Preserve it for future generations.
This article was first published in Rugby 365 and appears her with permission.
Comments on RugbyPass
“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
11 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
9 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
11 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
22 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
9 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
35 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
35 Go to commentsYou probably read that parling is going to coach the wallaby lineout but if not before now you have.
17 Go to commentsIf someone like Leo Cullen was in O’Gara’s place I don’t hear Boo-ing. It’s not just that La Rochelle has hurt Leinster and O’Gara is their Irish boss. It’s the needle that he brings and the pantomime activity before the game around pretending that Munster were supporting LaRochelle just because O’Gara is from Cork. That’s dividing Irish provinces just to get an advantage for his French Team. He can F*ck right off with that. BOOOOO! (but not while someone is lying injured)
4 Go to commentsDid the highlanders party too hard before the game? They were the pits.
1 Go to commentsWhat a player! Not long until he’s in the England side, surely?
5 Go to comments