Thu, 24 May 2012 07:19:15 -0800WeeblyThu, 24 May 2012 07:10:13 -0800http://www.rugbybanter.com/1/post/2012/05/apology.htmlIn my recent blog post entitled “The Keo Connection” I made numerous allegations revolving around the possible link between Mark Keohane of HSM and Accelerate Sports and its leadership team. In it I attempted to illustrate that the link they shared from their days at SARU lead to favorable deals in the years since. I now wish to paint the full picture.

It has come to my attention through evidence presented to me after the fact that Keo has not had a link to any of Accelerate Sports’ people since their time at SARU. It is now clear to me that Keo in no way benefitted from any of his supposed connections at Accelerate because these connections never existed to begin with, and for me to have presented it as such was wrong and irresponsible.

In writing the article I never contacted any of those named for comment which, when looking back, was naïve on my part, as they would have cleared up any misconceptions I had before I published the blog. I am now convinced by what I have seen that the connections I illustrated were nothing more than fictitious and never existed in the slightest.

I apologize whole heartedly to any persons who may have been negatively affected by these allegations, and urge anyone who wishes to discuss this matter further to contact me via the ‘contact us’ page on this website so that I may shed some light on any queries you still might have on this issue.

Francois Bonthuys Jnr

]]>Sun, 13 May 2012 06:59:51 -0800http://www.rugbybanter.com/1/post/2012/05/the-lions-death-sentence.html
Debate has been raging around the future of the Lions and where they might be headed if, as expected, SARU decide to make them the scapegoat for the flawed process which saw the Kings’ inclusion in Super Rugby guaranteed for 2013.

The Lions’ blueprint for the future has been discussed and debated at length throughout the Super Rugby season, and while most people have painted a pretty bleak picture of where they are heading, the question still lingers: Is there a way out for the Lions?

While it is true that all nine provinces voted for the Kings’ inclusion for 2013, this was done on the basis that SARU would ensure a sixth spot for a South African franchise in Super Rugby, thus leaving their participation unaffected. The bombshell sent to SARU courtesy of our good mates at SANZAR sent shockwaves through SA Rugby as it then emerged that, once again, SARU had managed to make a hash of it.

So where to now for the Lions?

The Lions’ participation in the Amlin Cup (Europe’s second rate competition) has been touted as a possible destination for the Joburg side, but when looking at the logistics involved in such an elaborate scheme it soon emerges that it would be unpractical and financially unviable for a franchise already drowning in debt.

The major talking point of late has been the possible merger between the Lions and the Cheetahs to once again play as the Cats franchise, thus ensuring South Africa’s two weakest sides are guaranteed Super Rugby participation for the foreseeable future. This seems the logical solution – but is it?

In terms of finances neither of these unions are able to compete with the big three, namely the Sharks, Bulls and Stormers, and rely on their Super Rugby TV revenues to keep the unions afloat. While the big three can add to their coffers with a constant stream of gate receipts, the empty stadiums we have become accustomed to in both Joburg and Bloemfontein does little to ease the financial burden of these two unions.

Should the scenario arise in which the Lions and Cheetahs are forced to share these revenues, it would have catastrophic consequences on the operations of both unions. Sadly, in times of financial difficulty the branch of operations to be neglected is the grassroots level of the game, and specifically the contracting of young up and coming talent from within the region and beyond, which would be disastrous for both unions as they have relied on signing young talent and developing them into senior players within their own structures.

This leaves the Lions with only one viable option, namely playing in the Vodacom and Currie Cup competitions while they cling to the hope that one day their Super Rugby dream might materialize once again.

But without the income of Super Rugby, and with debts reportedly in excess of R 55 million, the Lions simply cannot afford to be left out of Super Rugby. Unless SARU spring a big surprise when they finally announce the structure of Super Rugby participation for next year, and the Lions are, as expected, left out of Super Rugby, I fear the Lions as a union will be no more.

The Lions dream will have received a death sentence, and they will be left to bleed out slowly and painfully by those who were supposed to have the interests of SA Rugby at heart – SARU.

The Lions, i'm afraid, will be dead.

]]>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:03:26 -0800http://www.rugbybanter.com/1/post/2012/04/dear-mark.html
In his recent article entitled “SARU must end Lions’ misery” (30 Apr 2012) – Mark Keohane is at pains to describe to any willing reader (and I can’t imagine there’s many left) that the Lions team is a misfit collective of rugby outcasts who aren’t fit to participate in the Southern Hemisphere’s premier competition as they are, in his words “playing like second-rate rugby citizens”.

To read my full reply click here.]]>Sun, 15 Apr 2012 10:58:21 -0800http://www.rugbybanter.com/1/post/2012/04/professional-schools-xvs.htmlAs the hype around schools rugby is picking up after a fantastic Easter weekend of festivals and the resumption of the many tough local leagues around the country this weekend, I have decided to start a new series of articles focusing on school boy players of old who are now plying their trade in the big leagues. 

I will be posting a series called “professional school boy XV’s” which will take a look at all the big derby matches around the country and make what I think (with the input of the schools’ old boys of course) is the best present day professional XV that that school has produced. 


Click here for more]]>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 05:58:16 -0800http://www.rugbybanter.com/1/post/2012/04/easter-festivals-round-up.htmlAs the curtain is drawn on another exciting weekend of schoolboy rugby, our attention now turns to the various school leagues around the country, and the fantastic rivalries that will soon be reignited week after week on the hallowed rugby pitches of South Africa’s finest schools. 

Read more here

]]>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:22:33 -0800http://www.rugbybanter.com/1/post/2012/04/how-foul-play-is-ruining-our-game.htmlFrom an early age rugby is preached to us as a fun, social event – an opportunity to enjoy the sport you love against those who share that love. Sportsmanship is taught as an underlying characteristic of any match and the post match get together underlines the mutual respect and camaraderie fostered through the 80 minutes of battle on the field. As a youngster there were never thoughts of deliberately hurting your opponent, going into a ruck with the intention of causing harm to opponents or belittling an opponent when he is down injured.

Read more here

]]>Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:27:17 -0800http://www.rugbybanter.com/1/post/2012/01/the-professional-side-of-the-amateur-game.htmlThe advent of the Varsity Cup tournament has brought the South African rugby public’s attention back to club rugby in South Africa. A few years ago, before the days of pink shorts and “players that rock” the thought of watching club rugby on a Monday night seemed ludicrous, yet here we are, eagerly awaiting another action packed installment of the competition.


Click here for more ]]>Sat, 05 Nov 2011 11:52:15 -0800http://www.rugbybanter.com/1/post/2011/11/shame-on-you-irb.htmlThe Rugby World Cup in New Zealand produced some scintillating rugby, some fascinating upsets and memories that will forever be entrenched in any rugby lover’s mind. The only criticism throughout the tournament was not aimed at the hosts, or the fans, or any team participating in the tournament. All the anger and frustration was vented at the IRB.

It seems strange that the governing body of a global sports code is constantly in the firing line of journalists and, as became evident through numerous incidents during the duration of the tournament, the players who participated in the RWC.

But I can’t blame them, and here’s why:

Click here for more. ]]>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 05:34:27 -0800http://www.rugbybanter.com/1/post/2011/10/good-bye-snor-and-farewell.htmlWhile it may not be official yet it seems all but certain that SARU will end the tumultuous reign of Peter de Villiers in December, and will look elsewhere for a coaching team to take the ailing Springbok side into an exciting new era.

The back of de Villiers will be a welcome sight for South African rugby fans who quickly became disillusioned with his numerous public gaffes and public relations disasters, not to mention his poor record as coach and inability to change a playing style that had far exceeded its expiry date. Add to that de Villiers’ steadfast determination to keep the crux of his playing corps unchanged over his four year reign and it becomes clear why South Africans have become so frustrated with the man known as Snor.

Click here for more.

Click Here for a collection of de Villiers’ most infamous quotes

]]>Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0800http://www.rugbybanter.com/1/post/2011/09/boks-v-wales-a-look-back.htmlThe Springboks opened their Rugby World Cup account with a less than convincing win over a determined and highly motivated Wales side. John Smits’ charges started the game well, setting up numerous phases, with the forwards producing consistent go forward ball, culminating in an early try for Frans Steyn in the right corner. Their lead would not last, however, as Wales fought back to force the Boks into chasing a game that was closer than even they would have anticipated.

Click here for more.

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