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Q&A with Luke Watson

Tank Lanning

Cape Town – Not one to dodge controversy, Luke Watson arrived back in South Africa with a fair amount of fanfare, announcing that he had signed a management deal with local media house, Highbury Safika Media (HSM - publishers of SA Rugby magazine and www.keo.co.za amongst others), who confirmed their entry into the sports management market.

GALLERY: Luke Watson chats to the media

Watson arrives in Port Elizabeth at the weekend and his first task with his new franchise will be to represent the Kings in June’s IRB sanctioned Emerging Nations tournament to be hosted by Romania. The Kings replace the Emerging Springboks as South Africa’s tournament representative.

I took the opportunity to have an open and relaxed chat with the Springbok, Bath, Sharks, Stormers and now EP Kings loose forward ...

So what brings you back?
“There have been many people who have questioned my sanity for giving up what I had in Bath to return to Port Elizabeth, but those close to me will know what the region means to me, and my partnership with HSM will also allow me to make a contribution that goes beyond what I do on the field every weekend. I really am fired up to back in PE, and cannot wait to see what we can do to build rugby up again. My goal is to help the Kings achieve Super Rugby status and then attract good players.”

Did coach Alan Solomons play any part?
“To be honest, I was sitting on the fence until I had a chat to Solly – He was just so inspiring. Coming from Bath where both Butch (James) and I were given a fair amount of free reign, I prefer a creative, expansive, high risk environment, and Solly indicated that this would indeed be the way the Kings would play their rugby.”

Luke, I played under Solly for 5 years at UCT, and he was a much more structured coach than he seems to be making out?

“Ja, I think Solly has walked a long road, and via his experiences with Western Province, the Stormers, the Boks, in Ireland, the Baa Baas and the Kings, I get the feeling that he has evolved a fair amount, and is now open to playing a more free flowing style of rugby.”

Will you make yourself available to play Super Rugby for another franchise next year?

“Nope, I have committed 100% to the EP Kings, and will not be playing Super Rugby for any other province. It’s only a few months of the season, and actually by not playing Super Rugby, a player can lengthen his playing career, so it might be good for me on a few fronts.”

Speaking of Super Rugby, what do you think of the current structure?
“I think the current structure is ridiculous! How can you have some sides missing out on playing the top sides, yet picking up points by playing bottom teams? South Africa have the most physical teams, while Australia's teams could easily pick up points against the Melbourne Rebels and Western Force. Also, given that I have seen plenty of empty seats at Loftus of all places, I think there might be too much rugby being played. I think they should re-look at the structure of Super Rugby.”

So how do you see The Kings fitting in?
“Look, I am no administrator, and I would not like to be seen to be telling them how to do their jobs, but one thing I know is that the Kings would not do worse than some of the sides that are playing Super Rugby at the moment. I am not sure if it would mean a return to the Cats concept where the Lions and Cheetahs combine, or if we lose one of the current five sides playing, but I truly believe that Eastern Province can hold their head high in Super Rugby and deserve a spot at the table.”

Any players caught your eye?
“I have a very high regard for both Duane Vermeulen and Heinrich Brussow. How Vermeulen has not played Test rugby is beyond me – he has consistently been the best performing number 8 in Super Rugby. Yes, we have good loose forwards, but surely he could play a Test or two? I’d also like to see how Patrick Lambie goes at flyhalf in two or three Tests, while Peter Grant also deserves an opportunity. But it’s great to see the depth we have in every position. Unlike the All Blacks in a funny way – they would be in a bit of trouble if they lost Carter or McCaw.”

Speaking of the loose forwards, how has the role of the open-sider evolved, and has your game changed at all?
“Yes, things have certainly changed a fair amount on that front. In a squad I still think there is space for an out and out fetcher like Brussow, as they can be used to slow the ball down at certain times in the game, but in general, I think the game is demanding a more rounded player like a Francois Louw. The game needs ball carriers and people who can link with other players. One has to compare the three steals a fetcher would get you with the ball carries and tackles a more rounded player would pull off. Also with turnovers coming more from the counter ruck at the moment, the breakdown calls for players who perhaps get there a little later, and can perform the counter ruck effectively. As to my game, I have always tried to be a bit more than just an out and out to the ball guy, mainly because I love to run with the ball. Bath used me in all three loose forward positions and that suited me just fine.”

Selecting overseas based players?
“I have mixed feelings on the subject. There is no doubt that players go abroad because of better salaries but the game locally is poorer off without them. On the one hand I agree with not selecting the overseas based players as I am a fan of keeping the talent here in SA. But then the salaries would at least need to be competitive. And on the other hand, if a top player does go and play overseas, why shoot yourself in the foot by not selecting him? To be honest, I do not have the answer on that one.”

And finally ... Any Bok aspirations?
“If I get the chance to play for the Boks again, I would do so proudly.”
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