Grey question Saders’ motives

Grey question Saders’ motives

22 May 2010

South Africa’s top rugby school still believes the Crusaders intend to poach players at an invitational camp in Pretoria.

On Friday, it emerged that the Crusaders had mailed letters to South Africa’s top rugby schools enticing them to send their best players to a development and skills camp from 6-10 July. Saru then sent a letter to the New Zealand Rugby Union requesting that they intervene and prevent the Crusaders from recruiting South Africa’s junior talent.

On Saturday, Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach denied there is anything sinister about the camp and was adamant that the Crusaders don’t intend to recruit South African players for the New Zealand franchise.

But Grey College aren’t taking any chances. The No 1 ranked school in the country has received the Crusaders’ invitation for the camp, but won’t be sending any players.

‘In the letter it says the camp is development-orientated, but one still gets a feeling that it is a process of recruitment,’ Grey’s director of rugby, Dries van der Wal, told keo.co.za.

‘South Africa’s top schoolboys will be at the camp, so what will stop them from offering players who impress them a deal with the Crusaders?’

Van der Wal added that Grey will not support this initiative.

‘Grey won’t send any players and it is our final decision. We feel our best players must stay in South Africa.

‘We are all for the development of our players, but we don’t want our players to be based overseas.

‘I’ve spoken to some schools in the Bloemfontein region and they won’t send any of their players and the Free State Rugby Union is against this camp. But I haven’t been in contact with other schools in the country, so I don’t know what they will do.’

By Gareth Duncan


51 Comments

  • 1.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 13:03 pm

    jaloors dragons!

  • 2.Jim Bobby the Lumberjack: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 13:04 pm

    Good on them. The revolutionary, self proclaimed “non traditional” fans (who don’t even support SA teams) will see it another way though.

  • 3.kevin w: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 13:06 pm

    It’s a rather narrow minded approach in my opinion.

    If the Crusaders really want to poach talent, it wont be that difficult. Who knows, maybe it would benefit SA rugby.

    Welcome to the professional era Free State. Many South Africans leave by choice … rugby palyers or not.

  • 4.KevinRack: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 13:07 pm

    Let the games begin…

  • 5.sharks_lover: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 13:08 pm

    @KevinRack(KevinRack)-4: look way i see it , it has pro’s and con’s , there is always 2 sides to a story and situation

  • 6.sharks_lover: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 13:09 pm

    with the way things i going i would not blame any of our kids that make the option to go play there

  • 7.sharks_lover: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 13:10 pm

    @Transformation(Transformation)-1: :lol:

  • 8.brains_trust: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 13:10 pm

    good call Grey !!! lets hope the other top SA schools follow your lead.

    these Sader poachers can p!ss off and find talent in NZL, if there is any???

    SA school rugby is super strong and the future of our game is looking very promising.

  • 9.kevin w: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 13:12 pm

    And there is no mention of … “we contacted them to find out their reasons”.

    So the most succesful franchise of all time offers to coach a bunch of players and possibly try and lure a few … with no guarantee of anything at this stage.

    This conspiracy minded approach is the reason why a guy like Kevin Pietersen is blasting England to a WC trophy while our chokers are watching it on tv.

    Frans Steyn, **** Muir etc. all went to Murray Mexted’s academy … strange they haven’t jumped ship!

  • 10.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 13:22 pm

    how many other south africans have been @ IRANZ and never jumped ship?

  • 11.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 13:23 pm

    besides francois steyn & davon raubenheimer…

  • 12.BishopsOD: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 13:35 pm

    Who’s fooling who’s, here? If it is a recruitment exercise then so be it, as rugby is a pro sport. The Crusaders owe no one an apology and it’s high time Japies realise that this is common in today’s world. At the same time, they shouldn’t take us for idiots. They owe us that much. The Sharks are obviously pleased with their real academy’s stance, I suppose.

  • 13.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 13:40 pm

    @Transformation(Transformation)-11: Hey Transie…I’m racking my brain as to which local players of colour have reached the top and managed to stay in top form…Bryan Habana is there,even though a bit iffy at times,but all our other guys seem to fall off the pace once they’ve donned the green and gold…
    maybe they should read Vince Lombardi’s book….
    I’m thinking Quinton Davids,Lawrence Sephaka,Ricky January,Chilliboy,Adi,Waylon Murray,Davon Raubenheimer,Earl Rose and the list goes on… they seem to peak then just fall away,almost as if the superstardom is just too much imo…

  • 14.sharks_lover: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 13:42 pm

    @BishopsOD(BishopsOD)-12: sorry but we owe you nothing

    i am not saying the saders should build their academy

    and there is no harm in working together , but leave the arrogance of we owe the sheep shaggers or the roo bangers

  • 15.Panzer Chief: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 13:49 pm

    Grey College I understand is named after Sir George Grey.

    I am unaware of his significance in SA’s history.
    But he was also the Governor of South Australia,
    and the Governor of NZ (twice).

    In NZ, he would be rated among the 5 most influential people in our Political history.
    A County is named after him.
    A Town,
    and a River.

    A true SANZAR so to speak.

  • 16.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 13:52 pm

    @Panzer Chief(cane)-15: Pommie Baaaaastad..!!

  • 17.Travelling Shark: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 13:54 pm

    Pretty simple really, all SA’s unions should just send their scouts to the camp… If everything is above board, then Im sure the Saders wont mind an extra couple of people attending, in a professional capacity of course…

  • 18.wallabie.: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 13:56 pm

    This is all Saffa distraction on opposition teams.

    Betya its all innocent but some journalist making sure the crusaders dont have their minds on the job.

  • 19.Shaunsagod: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 13:59 pm

    @Storm outta hell(Storm outta hell)-13: Hardly a refelction on the players.. the system is stacked against them.. even PDV says so even though he makes mockery transformation.. remember transfromation is not about putting more black players in teh sqaud.. it is about breaking down the system that prevents them from excelling.. Its a bit difficult when rugby’s heirarchy is loaded with white supremacist

  • 20.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:01 pm

    @wallabie.(wallabie.)-18: Call it what you may,it’s finals time ;)
    But it’s not hard to see what’s going on here…with the state of our country,it’s very easy to lure a starry eyed and talented youngster to the 1st world..!

  • 21.Panzer Chief: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:01 pm

    Dirty deeds, done with sheep!
    Dirty deeds. Little Bow Peep!
    Dirty deeds and they’re done with sheep.

    My friend Larry has a little lamb,
    her fleece is white as snow.

    He keeps bragging ’bout her everyday,
    someone should tell him no.

    Look at the flock, they’re all in shock. Here comes that mutton fan.

    Velcro gloves,
    knee pads,
    late night dates,
    done with sheep!

    (Wierd Al)

  • 22.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:04 pm

    @Shaunsagod(Shaunsagod)-19: Yeah…they sure rule the local rugby world…but change how..?..surely not with buffoons like Bryan van rooyen..?

  • 23.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:04 pm

    @Panzer Chief(cane)-21: :lol:

  • 24.sharks_lover: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:08 pm

    @Panzer Chief(cane)-21: :lol: :lol: :lol:

  • 25.SimiJan: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:09 pm

    The Crusaders are entitled to have their camp and the sensible SA schools are entitled to tell them where they can stick it. Storm in a tea cup…

  • 26.BluebullKZN: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:11 pm

    Fact is NOT ALL of Greys players will make it in SA , so if the Crusaders wanna poach , let em . After all , all the succesful teams have at least on South African in it

  • 27.Shaunsagod: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:13 pm

    @Storm outta hell(Storm outta hell)-22: The country has a leadership crisis brought about by the total capitulation of good men who had gone bad.. I do my bit to make a difference.. Hopefully my single voice will start to echo louder and louder.. I am not trying to change rugby.. I am trying to change the general attitude of a whole society..

  • 28.Jim Bobby the Lumberjack: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:16 pm

    @Shaunsagod(Shaunsagod)-27:

    Rugby is a sport played by 15 opposing players between 4 lines on a field of grass. It is simply a sport, meant to be enjoyed. You may just be reading too much into this simple sport.

    If you don’t like it, find another sport to follow rather than preaching meaningless and irrelevant nonsense in some half-baked scheme to create another one of your ‘struggles’..

  • 29.Storm outta hell: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:20 pm

    @Shaunsagod(Shaunsagod)-27: Big job dude,but you gotta start somewhere…compassion is generally a good place…
    I believe change is coming,a shift in conciousness perhaps,it’s surviving that’s the challenge.

  • 30.Shaunsagod: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:21 pm

    @Jim Bobby the Lumberjack(Jim Bobby the Lumberjack)-28: It is a sport played my millions.. it supported by millions.. it is part of society…

    but I take it that you believe that all are as small minded as you.. take off those sunglasses (Welders goggles) twat.. the little bit that you do see will burn you eyes if you take the goggles off

  • 31.Die Boek: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:24 pm

    @Shaunsagod(Shaunsagod)-27:
    Noble idea
    But dare I say
    You are going about it the wrong way
    Your contribution is detrimental to the cause

  • 32.Die Boek: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:26 pm

    @Shaunsagod(Shaunsagod)-30:
    There is a leadership crisis
    Because you left
    :-)

  • 33.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:27 pm

    @storm outta hell: #13 the situation is not only unique to players of colour, it’s happened to players of all hues. It’s just that south africa has had only a handful of black players that you can single them out for having not sustained their form for long periods..

    That said, you look at guys like naas olivier & monty dumond, who the unions have stuck with even though they’re kak and you wonder if a guy like isma-eel dollie was really so uber kak that he had to leave the country cos no union wanted to contract him when unions keep donkeys like herkie kruger & andries strauss around.

  • 34.Black Panther: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:28 pm

    Why on Earth would NZ want or need to pinch schoolboy rugby talent off SA when they already have the best school teams and no1 ranked Age-group teams in the World ?

    reigning World Schoolboy Champions = Hamilton Boys High

    (NZ schools have won 5 of the last 8)

    reigning IRB U-19s = NZ (not contested since 2007)

    reigning IRB U-20′s = NZ (2008 and 2009).

    Facts remain, NZ not only reigns at schoolboy rugby but dominates it.

    Maybe Canty are just targetting the boys from Grey to carry the team kit.

  • 35.Black Panther: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:30 pm

    @Black Panther(Black Panther)-34:

    aaaaaaaaaaa@@@@@@@@@GH !

    Ive been invaded by the Teachers Stamp army.

    VIRUS ALERT

    non-intentional Smiley bug has entered Keo, all hands on deck !

  • 36.pearl rose: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:34 pm

    this black panther oke is hilarious :D dig your posts mate.

    What happened to that wet tw@t wooden spoon, i have not seen him around in a long while?

  • 37.Shaunsagod: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:35 pm

    @Die Boek(Die Boek)-31: You seemingly had a better way.. remember Mandela failed in his way

  • 38.WP Till I Die: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:36 pm

    @Black Panther(Black Panther)-35:

    Kia ora, mate. Yip, non-intentional – don’t put a “)” after an “8″, else you get 8)

  • 39.Black Panther: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:38 pm

    @pearl rose(pearl rose)-36:

    You even missed one in your namesake recently.

    a bit of latenight demented drivvel a couple of nights ago on the (usual) Kiwi-sheep jokes links…..”Earl Rose’mary…..etc”.

    it petered out like sheep droppings in a drought

  • 40.Black Panther: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:40 pm

    @WP Till I Die(WP-Forever)-38:

    cheers and nb’ed.

    Good luck for your boys manana. Like WeePee, dislike Tahs…..

  • 41.Black Panther: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:45 pm

    @Black Panther(Black Panther)-40:

    ‘manana’ ??!!

    I meant ‘later’.

    I think my hangover requires a quick tonic.

    *ppppppphit*

    aaaaaaaaah, thats better.

    Got Polish builders at the moment, treated them to a few frosties and a barby after finishing the roof in heat last pm. ‘Perla’, a premium Polish pils-style lager, sure is a nice drop with a big kick.

    luv la

  • 42.Die Boek: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 14:45 pm

    @Shaunsagod(Shaunsagod)-37:
    He didn’t fail
    You failed him

  • 43.Shaunsagod: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 15:05 pm

    @Die Boek(Die Boek)-42: He failed mate… I was not president.. I did not focus on rugby when the country required solutions in respect of Poverty, racism and crime.. I did not try to glorify racist imbeciles.. I do not suffer from submissive behavioural disorder

  • 44.renoog: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 15:06 pm

    Anyone help me out: What time does the Bulls-Saders game kick off?

  • 45.Die Boek: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 15:18 pm

    @Shaunsagod(Shaunsagod)-43:
    I beg to differ
    The only person in the ANC that has any credibility in the world is Mandela
    Who rates you or your opinions?

  • 46.Die Boek: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 15:19 pm

    @renoog(silent_shadow)-44:
    5pm

  • 47.Jim Bobby the Lumberjack: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 15:27 pm

    @Die Boek(Die Boek)-45: the only person that gives two ***** about Shaunsafraud is himself.

  • 48.Die Boek: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 15:30 pm

    @Jim Bobby the Lumberjack(Jim Bobby the Lumberjack)-47:
    I am getting that idea

  • 49.Jim Bobby the Lumberjack: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 15:32 pm

    @Die Boek(Die Boek)-48: he is a narcissist. And a fool with a big chip on his shoulder. You are obviously new here because old Shaunsafraud has been brain farting on here for about a full year now. Classic comedy moments though, but about as much substance as a bag full of hot air.

  • 50.Gerhardt: Reply to this comment
    22 May 2010, 22:41 pm

    Dries van der Wal, so tipies. You remain narrow minded. do u think by preventing kids from going out you wil keep them from being naughty. Come on man lighten up, you are over reacting, or are u looking for cheap publicity for your school.

  • 51.TheTackler: Reply to this comment
    23 May 2010, 11:58 am

    The East German communists built a wall around Berlin to prevent their own citizens defecting to a better life. They’d even shoot those who tried to leave the fatherland.

    And it was all in vain.

    The top SA schoolboy players will decide what’s in their own best interests — not what is in their province’s or their country’s best interests.

    That’s the proper, professional attitude.

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

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