Brenden Nel - SuperSport

Pretoria - Despite the fall-out with the Blue Bulls Company, players and coaching staff at the Loftus Versfeld union had the confirmed news of Heyneke Meyer’s appointment almost 24 hours before it was finally made public.

Meyer sent a heartfelt personal SMS message to the Bulls players, coaching staff and close friends as he spent his last night as the Bulls Director of Coaching, thanking them for their loyalty and support over the years.

The message, in Afrikaans, was Meyer’s farewell to his life at the Bulls before becoming, as he said at his appointment “a coach for all of South Africa, not just one province.”

“I will be appointed as Springbok coach tomorrow,” the text message read. “I don’t want you to hear it in the media.

“It was a very very big decision for me. But it is about the bigger picture. Just want to say thank you for what you meant in my life.”

Meyer continued to give credit to his management team and thanked them for getting him where he is today.

“It is because of the inputs of my whole management team that this is possible today. It wasn’t my own feat alone. Want to thank you out of the bottom of my heart,” Meyer’s message continued.

“I am going to miss you greatly, especially the great times. Thank you very very much. Apologies if my decision damages you in any way. It was never my intention. Want to do the best for you, the team and every individual.”

Meyer ended the message with pride and thanked his colleagues for all their help.

“It is goodbye, but not farewell,” it continued, “May God bless you richly. Proud to be associated with you. Once a Bull, always a Bull. Greetings Heyneke Meyer.”

Meyer’s new role began on Friday when he accepted the toughest post in world rugby and promised to do the country proud.

Given his success and loyalty at the Bulls, it is hard to imagine that he won't be able to copy that over to the Springboks.