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Bands: Props not paid enough
04/02/2008 22:12 - (SA)
Adnaan Mohamed , Die Burger
Cape Town - South African prop forwards are not being paid enough to play rugby says former Springbok tighthead Richard Bands.
The 33-year-old Bands, who hopes to play for the Springboks again, says tighthead props have an important role and should be paid as much as, or more than, players in other positions.
"It is a matter of concern that props in South Africa are being paid less than players in Europe. We do the donkey work on the field but we receive least for our troubles, compared to players in other positions," says Bands.
"The best-paid players in Europe are tighthead props but here the wings and the flyhalves earn the most. The situation will have to change or we will soon lose more tightheads."
Bands says former All Black Carl Hayman and Andrew Sheridan are the best-paid players in England.
"There is always a shortage of good tighthead props and it will serve as strong motivation to young props to know they will be rewarded for their hard work."
Bands represented the Blue Bulls Company at the annual SK-Walmers touch-rugby tournament in Camps Bay last Saturday.
He still has knee problems but should be fit to return to the Bulls squad soon.
"I had a ligament injury that has healed well," he said. "Last year I came back from a calf injury but then tore the other calf muscle. I hope things will go better this year," said the veteran of 11 Test matches.
"I still have ambitions to play for the Springboks. At tighthead prop, it's all about technique. I hope I can still make a difference for the Bulls in the Super 14."
- Die Burger
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