Meyer eyes cup glory

South African relishing challenge

By Rob Carragher   Last updated: 6th October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Meyer eyes cup glory

Meyer: Attracted by the cup

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New Leicester Tigers coach Heyneke Meyer will be hoping that by capturing the Heineken Cup he can complete a unique double.

After emerging victorious in the Super 14 with the Vodacom Blue Bulls in South Africa, Meyer is now bidding to become the first coach to win the premier competitions of both the northern and southern hemispheres.

However, Meyer is not underestimating the task at hand after his side drew the Ospreys in their Heineken Cup opener.

"The Heineken Cup was one of the attractions for me coming to work in Europe," said Meyer, whose side will face their EDF Energy Cup final conquerors on Sunday.

"It's a huge challenge for any team. It's a round-robin competition and a knock-out all in one.

"That makes it a really tough competition to win and you need to be 100 per cent in every game."

Spectacle

Meyer appears to have the credentials to achieve a strong cup run, having taken the Bulls to five consecutive Currie Cup finals before clinching the Super 14 in 2007.

Whether he can transfer his abilities to the European game remains to be seen, but the South African is keen to see how his side fares against some of the finest teams in the world.

"I've been involved in the top competition in the southern hemisphere and I am looking forward to being involved in the top competition in the northern hemisphere," he said.

"There are more teams involved from more countries in the Heineken Cup and I am looking forward to seeing different players and teams from different cultures.

"It's going to be an interesting challenge. There is no doubt the Heineken Cup is a top competition and it's going to grow in stature and get better and better because so many of the world's top players are involved.

"Even in places like South Africa the profile of the Heineken Cup is growing. I remember watching the Munster-Toulouse final at home. With all those supporters there it was a great spectacle - there is a great vibe about the Heineken Cup."

Vision

Despite having only just turned 40, Meyers has nearly two decades of coaching experience - although he nearly quit the game for good when he was overlooked for the position as South Africa national coach.

"When I left the Bulls after winning the Super 14 last year and failed to get the job of South Africa coach, I thought my time in rugby was over," he added.

"I had been a coach since I was 20 and I got out of the game by taking charge of a sports nutrition company and I turned down a number of offers from international and club sides.

"Then Leicester came in, a club which shares my vision and values, and here I am.

"My long-term goal is to make Leicester the best club side in the world. We should be able to achieve that in my time here."

Comments (1)

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Philip Gray says...

Meyer is clearly hs own man and his credentials speak for themselves. Leicester are clearly looking to the future with his appointment and I am seriously looking forward to this season and beyond as a Leicester supporter with a renewed passion for the game of rugby union.

Posted 10:48 7th October 2008
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