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Cape Town – South African Rugby Union president, Oregan Hoskins recently delivered a stirring tribute to the Griquas rugby union, which celebrated 125 years of existence.
Hoskins, who was the key-note speaker at the celebration, spoke highly of arguably one of Griquas all-time greats.
“If we can take 15 Mannetjies Rouxs with us to the rugby World Cup in 2015, then the battle will already have been half won,” Hoskins said in Monday’s Die Burger.
Hoskins lamented that South African rugby enthusiasts need to remember the role of the smaller unions played in the past and how it shaped the present state of rugby in the country, once again making reference to Roux as his example.
“Rugby is managed and played on a highly professional level these days and one easily forgets the role of coaches of yesteryear. It has already been 40 years since the so-called smaller unions have last won the Currie Cup; and it was fitting that it was Griquas, under the guidance of the legendary Mannetjies Roux, that saw off Northern Transvaal in 1970.
“Everywhere I go overseas, most of our ‘old enemies’ only talk about one player and that was Mannetjies Roux.
“A small player, who made a huge impact. We are looking for 15 Mannetjies Rouxs for the World Cup in 2015.”
Griquas, behind the Western Province, is the second oldest rugby union in South Africa and Hoskins noted this in his tribute, pointing out that in its existence, players from the Northern Cape union have featured prominently in the Springbok setup.
“Griquas is one of the foundations on which South African rugby is built on. Griquas are celebrating this special milestone and I want to heartily wish the union (with its) 125 years and to also thank them for the unbelievable role Griquas have played in the tale of South African rugby.
“Not many people know this, but Griquas have delivered 61 Springboks. Only the five big unions have delivered more.”
Hoskins briefly shifted his focus to the ever brewing storm which is SARU’s appointment of the next Springbok coach.
“Naturally, we want to pick the best candidate to be the Springbok coach. It is an important post where we will be making an appointment next year.”
Hoskins, who was the key-note speaker at the celebration, spoke highly of arguably one of Griquas all-time greats.
“If we can take 15 Mannetjies Rouxs with us to the rugby World Cup in 2015, then the battle will already have been half won,” Hoskins said in Monday’s Die Burger.
Hoskins lamented that South African rugby enthusiasts need to remember the role of the smaller unions played in the past and how it shaped the present state of rugby in the country, once again making reference to Roux as his example.
“Rugby is managed and played on a highly professional level these days and one easily forgets the role of coaches of yesteryear. It has already been 40 years since the so-called smaller unions have last won the Currie Cup; and it was fitting that it was Griquas, under the guidance of the legendary Mannetjies Roux, that saw off Northern Transvaal in 1970.
“Everywhere I go overseas, most of our ‘old enemies’ only talk about one player and that was Mannetjies Roux.
“A small player, who made a huge impact. We are looking for 15 Mannetjies Rouxs for the World Cup in 2015.”
Griquas, behind the Western Province, is the second oldest rugby union in South Africa and Hoskins noted this in his tribute, pointing out that in its existence, players from the Northern Cape union have featured prominently in the Springbok setup.
“Griquas is one of the foundations on which South African rugby is built on. Griquas are celebrating this special milestone and I want to heartily wish the union (with its) 125 years and to also thank them for the unbelievable role Griquas have played in the tale of South African rugby.
“Not many people know this, but Griquas have delivered 61 Springboks. Only the five big unions have delivered more.”
Hoskins briefly shifted his focus to the ever brewing storm which is SARU’s appointment of the next Springbok coach.
“Naturally, we want to pick the best candidate to be the Springbok coach. It is an important post where we will be making an appointment next year.”
