The 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.


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The 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:

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While 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.

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

The 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.

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The Blue Bulls’ signing of talented Western Province duo JJ Engelbrecht and Johan Sadie this past week has led to some heated debate around the topic of ‘poaching’. While it is true that the Blue Bulls have in the past few years signed numerous Western Province youngsters, chief amongst these being Francois Hougaard and Stephan Dippenaar, they cannot be blamed for making signings to strengthen their squad. The question should not be why the Blue Bulls are signing W.P. youngsters, but rather why Western Province are allowing so many talented youngsters to leave the union.

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