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Starring Saru role for Heyneke?
16/01/2008 22:02 - (SA)
Stephen Nell, Die Burger
Cape Town - Mike Stofile, deputy president of the SA Rugby Union, and Heyneke Meyer will meet here on Tuesday to discuss the former Bulls coach's future.
"I have a mandate from Saru's presidents' council to enter into discussions with Heyneke," Stofile said on Wednesday. "We will meet on Tuesday to finalise the role he can play."
Meyer could receive a job offer from SA Rugby next week, Stofile added.
"This must happen as a matter of urgency. It is time to implement our vision. I will find it very exciting if Heyneke accepts a position with SA Rugby. We'd like to advance rugby's structures."
Meyer was the favourite to succeed Jake White as Springbok coach but members of the presidents' council voted 10-9 in favour of Peter de Villiers last week.
A French club, Toulon, has been interested for months in contracting Meyer, but Stofile feels the best SA talent at all levels should be retained.
'Accommodate the talent we have'
"SA Rugby would prefer not to have overseas coaches in our systems," Stofile said. "We believe we have enough talent. We are not happy when people leave our structures to go abroad.
"We'd like to accommodate the talent we have, on and off the field, in our structures. Heyneke is one of our talented young people."
No position for Meyer has been officially defined but it could amount to that of a director of rugby.
"We foresee a major role for him in the empowerment of coaches and with the creating of structures. Heyneke is technically good and understands rugby," Stofile said.
The outstanding structures that Meyer created at the Blue Bulls in Pretoria is undoubtedly a strong testimonial for the man who has coached Currie Cup and Super 14 champions.
There were rumours last week that De Villiers and Meyer would be appointed simultaneously.
The proposal was apparently rejected because the committee that conducted interviews with candidates for the coaching position did not have a mandate to make proposals regarding other structures.
De Villiers met with John Smit
De Villiers was upbeat on Wednesday about the previous day's meeting with Springbok captain John Smit.
Smit, who now plays for Clermont in France, is recovering in South Africa from an injury.
"It was a very good discussion. John is a born leader and captain of the World Cup champions," De Villiers said.
The new coach had previously said he would build on his predecessor's structures.
Smit has not been dropped as Springbok captain but no player would merely walk into the national team, De Villiers said.
"I have made no promises. Any player must get into the team first. Then, if you are the captain, you will be treated differently."
De Villiers will also have discussions with other players. "The players have nothing to fear. We will communicate with them but will do so halfway through the Super 14 competition.
"Previously, there have been talks with players at a too early stage. I want them to play and be role models for South Africa's people.
"Our team will be representative; representative of the best players in South Africa," he added.
- Die Burger
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