Meyer move disappoints SARU

Hoskins insists coach will return home soon

Last updated: 1st July 2008

Heyneke Meyer unhappy

Meyer: Joining Leicester

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South African Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins has admitted he is disappointed to see Heyneke Meyer leave for Leicester.

Meyer has agreed a three-year deal to replace Marcelo Loffreda at the Tigers.

The 40-year-old was described as the "outstanding candidate" for the position, having earned a reputation in South Africa as a forward-thinking coach.

Meyer led the Bulls to Super 14s success in 2007 - the first South African side to win the title - but he quit the side in a bid to become the Springboks coach, only to miss out to Peter de Villiers.

And although Hoskins claims it is a shame Meyer has exited South Africa, he insists that the highly-rated coach will be back soon.

Dedicated

"It's always disappointing when we lose a coach of that calibre," Hoskins said.

"Heyneke is a dedicated professional and top-notch coach but we feel it won't be a permanent move and there will always be a place for someone like Heyneke in South African rugby.

"We hope he will return soon.

"It's a compliment for South African rugby that our coaches are wanted overseas across the world. As with New Zealand coaches, many of them tend to go overseas first before returning and settling into the national set-up."

Comments

Rodney Clack says...

Hi. I congratulate Heyneke Meyer at getting the nod at Lester. When Heyneke Meyer first became the coach of THE BLUE BULLS back in 2000. The Bulls were the laughing stock of the media in South Africa. The Bulls had had several retirements as well as players bought by other unions in South Africa. Meyer picked a young Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Pedre Wannenburg, Gary Botha, Derrick Hougaard and several other youngsters. The media laughed as the bulls lost match after match and had the odd victory for two seasons. And then it happened the Bulls started winning and they never seemed to lose. The Bulls wone the Curry Cup for four consecutive years and shared it twice and then won the super 14 trophy. Most of the Bulls players became sprinboks and Meyer had to resign in order to become eligable for the national caochins spot. However he never got it as it becamed a political apointment. Good luck Heneke and Good luck Lester.

Posted 11:59 16th July 2008

Nick M says...

Exactly, he set his heart on the Sprinkbok coach position & didn't get it. Good for him that he is taking on a role overseas, he will only learn from coaching in the UK & if he ever does come back to SA, maybe he can challenge for the BOK position & be given a fair chance? Maybe if he grew a big moustache & couldn't speak english he'd have a better chance?

Posted 22:44 1st July 2008

Jaco Louw says...

What a heap of rubbish Hoskins.... Meyer was the No1 contender for the Boks but Affirmative action in South africa cost him his career. What a shame.

Posted 15:12 1st July 2008

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