Frik’s rugby broadside

By Stan Terblanche

SOUTH African rugby is in a sad state at present and the reason for this is two-fold.

Club rugby has suffered over the years and the quota-system has played a part in lowering the standards.

This was the view expressed by former Springbok legend Frik du Preez, who was the guest-speaker at a D F Malherbe function held at the Feather Market Centre last night.

“The late Dr Danie Craven said that if club rugby dies in South Africa, then the game will suffer irreparable harm.

“This is precisely what has happened – and not before something drastic is done by Sarfu to uplift club rugby in the country will there be an improvement.

“Club rugby is the foundation of the game in the country and if the pillars are not strong, the game cannot flourish,’’ Du Preez said to loud applause.

“Secondly, the South African team should always be chosen solely on merit.

“If there are 12 players of colour who are the best in their respective positions in the country, then they must be chosen for the Springboks – and I will support them all the way,’’ Du Preez added.

Du Preez also expressed concern about the current South Africa rugby set-up.

“Players are given threeyear contracts by Sarfu and even if their standard drops alarmingly, they are retained instead of being replaced by more talented individuals.

“I have never had a problem with players being paid.However, professional golfers and tennis players do not earn the same amount of money if they fail to perform consistently at the highest level.

“This should also apply to our rugby players,’’ Du Preez added.

Du Preez, who played in 30 Test matches during his career, has been honoured for his achievements on the playing front with several awards. He was a recipient of the Hall of Fame award and was also named South Africa’s player of the past era.

---

sport

Next