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Cape Town - Former Springbok scrumhalf Divan Serfontein has hit out at the top brass of the South African Rugby Union (SARU).
SARU has come under fire in recent times for its handling of the Jurie Roux bonus scandal saga, as well as its delay in naming Heyneke Meyer’s successor as Springbok coach.
Serfontein formed part of a discussion panel hosted by Die Burger at the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees in Oudtshoorn this past weekend.
There the former WP captain hit out at the country’s national rugby governing body.
“A fish rots from its head down,” said Serfontein, referring to SARU.
“There are people at SARU who are there for their own personal gain. Remember, rugby does not belong to SARU. Rugby belongs to all South Africans. We must not allow them to take over and just enrich themselves through our sport.”
Serfontein also feels transformation is not dealt with in the right manner in South Africa.
“Nowadays, transformation has become an abusive word. But we have to look at with clear heads. It shouldn't only be about more black and coloured players in the Springbok team. When we talk about transformation, we have to refer to all racial groups, because there is inequality amongst all people.
“Take for example young rugby players. At universities there are about 800 good players, but only 200 get picked to go and play for big clubs. What happens to the remaining 600?
“Even the senior players who earn millions... one day when you retire, what do you do? The millions won’t last forever. We have to look at ways to develop rugby players, not just on the field but also in their personal lives.”
Serfontein, who played 19 Tests for the Springboks between 1980 and 1984, was also happy that a new Springbok coach will be appointed.
“I’m just very happy that Heyneke Meyer is not there anymore. Just look at what he did with players like Rudy Paige. And then he has the audacity to blame it on the players when the team plays poorly.”
