Luke still has Bok ambition
17 May 2011
Luke Watson says he would be open to representing the Springboks again and believes they are in a stronger position than any other team to win the World Cup.
Watson was speaking in Cape Town en route to Port Elizabeth where he will commence duty with the EP Kings after two years at Bath in the Premiership.
He left South Africa in late 2009 having established a reputation for being outspoken on a range of issues, most notably representing the Springboks. At a dinner at University of Cape Town Rugby Club, he was alleged to have said, among other things, that he felt like vomiting on the Bok jersey when he debut in 2007 because of what it represented.
Although it was never confirmed that he said this, many of the senior Springboks, who had been vehemently opposed to his late inclusion in the 2007 World Cup training squad, used the claims to further justify their dislike and disregard for him.
Watson, whose father Cheeky was a prominent activist during the struggle years, intimated that his thinking and attitude at the time had been influenced by others. He, however, suggested that he returns a different person.
‘I grew up in a fundamentally different environment to most – every word was watched, every decision I made monitored,’ Watson told keo.co.za. ‘I remember being interviewed by CNN at the age of 10 and asked whether I support the Springboks. I said “yes”, but was quickly rapped over the knuckles by the powers that be because it wasn’t the correct thing to do politically.
‘I never really had an opportunity to establish my own identity and make my own decisions. These 18 months in Bath have been incredibly beneficial in that regard. It’s given me the opportunity to assess the things that I value.
‘It’s easy for me to sit here and tell you how mature I have become. But I can only hope that over the next few years you will notice that there are certain values and principles have have been altered. I’m still going to be the Luke Watson that speaks from my heart, not too worried about the consequences that come with the truth. I’m not going to shy away from any issues because of opposition I’ve received in the past.
‘Yes there are things that I still don’t agree with at a national and regional level. But if I do get the opportunity to represent my country again I will do so very proudly.’
Watson is unlikely to force his way into the Springbok World Cup squad, and never gave the impression that he expected to. But that didn’t stop him from sharing his views on where they stand at present.
‘As far as talent squad and depth goes, I don’t think any team can match the Springboks,’ he said. ‘If the All Blacks lose Dan Carter or Richie McCaw there are big, big holes to fill. We’re not in the same situation. Most of our players are very easily replaceable. We’re in a very strong position if the right team is selected and managed correctly.’
Watson added: ‘I’d like to see a couple of the youngsters who haven’t got an opportunity to play Test rugby get that chance before the World Cup. For example, for me it’s ridiculous that Duane Vermeulen hasn’t played any Tests. He has been the most consistent loose forward in the last two or three seasons of Super Rugby. Yes we have great loose forwards, but surely you have to find an opportunity somewhere for him.
‘Also, I’d like to see Pat Lambie play two or three Tests at 10. Peter Grant deserves an opportunity as well. We’ve seen what Morné Steyn can do, but we should go to the World Cup knowing that we have options in terms of playing different styles against different teams.’
The 27-year-old, who will compete with Eastern Province in the Currie Cup First Division and Vodacom Cup (in 2012) until the Kings’ entry into Super Rugby in 2013, said he wasn’t available to any other franchise in 2012.
Watson acknowledged the prevailing perception that he was taking a massive step backwards in his career, but explained the decision, saying: ‘I was in heaven in Bath, earning pounds and captaining the side. Life was easy. I could have stayed in Bath and taken comfortable, easy route. But I knew there was something greater that I could achieve.
‘I understand that people would look at the move from one of the top sides in Europe to playing Currie Cup First Division as a step down and a risk. But I look at the long-term potential of this decision, especially its ability to uplift a community and region. Sure there are a lot of things that are not ideal. But there are a lot more that are.
‘I really believe that the players and the resources are there for the Kings to be successful. It’s incredibly difficult to keep the talented players in the Eastern Cape without a Super Rugby franchise. The Kings solve that problem, although I appreciate that it will take time [to hold on to the region's best players].’
360 Comments
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17 May 2011, 18:01 pm
The dickheads regarding one Luke Watson are basically all either JW disciples or Sharkievarkie arselickers
Most stupid bunch of imbeciles ever to have proclaimed themselves rugby supporters full stop… Idiocy in mammoth abundances.. such are these fucked up deluded disciples of supreme idiocy
Entire Watson saga was a setup between White and Smit and nothing much else… politics got dragged into it as a side issue… and all these fuckups bought it.
17 May 2011, 18:01 pm
Over and out…
Agile, good to see you back… Twat!
Jock, taste those vapour trails…
17 May 2011, 18:01 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-192: ok…thanks
17 May 2011, 18:02 pm
@JockBok(JockBok)-200:
Cheers.
17 May 2011, 18:04 pm
@ashampoopaloo(joel1yahoo)-201:
“The dickheads regarding one Luke Watson…”
OH SHI…..! are you saying there’s more than one!?!
Please try to make sense.
17 May 2011, 18:06 pm
any other country Watson would have been open side flank at first opportunity during his years of mastery … here it was protectionism of the rabid status quo till death do them part.
17 May 2011, 18:08 pm
@ashampoopaloo(joel1yahoo)-201:
Ooooooooooooohhhhhhhhh…wait. Skoppie! It’s you! Ok that explains everything.
(have to contact the janeGoodall institute to make sure I know the right “oops” and “eeps” to greet you properly.)
17 May 2011, 18:08 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-205: an entire nation full of them and 80% – 90% of bloggers here
17 May 2011, 18:09 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-202:
cheers mate
17 May 2011, 18:10 pm
@ashampoopaloo(joel1yahoo)-208:
I’m just pulling your leg. They call me the Lord of Misunderstanding. And a couple of other things.
How’s it going champ?
17 May 2011, 18:13 pm
not much more than can be said in this context.
Keohane has done his 180 degree turnaround wrt first being up JW’s arse now he’s up Luke’s
Next you’ll have Luke and John being long lost rekindled apostles at the alter of His Holiness King of the Hill Church and kissing and turning cheeks much better
Else its another spate of cancerous books already hot on the press waiting to hit the sellout counter at Exclusive Books come November.. just in time for the last gasp Xmas festivities before all Hades breaks loose in 2012
17 May 2011, 18:16 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-210:
doing fine, thanks.. hows you?
where that piffle little idiot Herr Gwat disappear to with his dangling string of gephoephel hanging half way out his gat as he waffles out the door?
17 May 2011, 18:20 pm
Careful, you fckfaced little vegan imp… HG is watching you…
Will pounce sooner rather than later…
17 May 2011, 18:21 pm
@ashampoopaloo(joel1yahoo)-212:
Ja ag, I’m alright, doing my best to ensure Rand Water is out of business by 2016.
So you are Skoppie, then Yliad and now a “Shambolic, Poopy Aloo gobie dish”?
How many times have they klapped you with the ban hammer my friend?
17 May 2011, 18:23 pm
eish these are the keo days of our lives
17 May 2011, 18:24 pm
From News24.
Luke Watson signs with Keo
Luke Watson arrived back in South Africa last week after a successful playing stint in Bath, and after a quiet few days spent catching up with family, friends and former players, he was presented to the media in Cape Town by Highbury Safika Media (HSM – publishers of SA Rugby magazine and http://www.keo.co.za amongst others).
HSM, at the same function, confirmed their entry into the sports management market with their signing of the fiery Springbok, Bath and EP Kings loose forward.
Questioned on any potential conflict of interest given that Watson just happens to be the poster and cover model for this month’s issue of SA Rugby magazine, HSM CEO Kevin Ferguson was confident in the belief that his editorial teams would pick covers and features based on servicing readers rather than any other potentially nefarious reasons.
Backing up their CEO were Commercial Director, and the man who will run the player management side of the business, Shane Keohane, brother to HSM Chief Operating Officer, Mark Keohane, who were both at pains to stress that the two sides of the business would be kept very separate.
“As a player I wanted to be aligned with a vibrant company who share my enthusiasm for Eastern Province and South African rugby, and who also believe there is a different way to manage the careers of players,” said Watson.
Watson arrives in Port Elizabeth at the weekend and will represent the Kings in the guise of the South African 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.
Conflict of Interest Mark? lol.
17 May 2011, 18:27 pm
there the fanny little fckup sharkievarkie narcissistic Nazi is just in time for his evening medicine
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-214: its one name per week or less for me now already I think I got about 12 – 15 gmail or yahoo accounts all piled up already
they still cannot make up their minds round here whether they love me or hate me… like most messianic prophets before their time they crucify them first then howl like chest beating sack cloth and ashes holy moly’s once their beloved has duly parted.
17 May 2011, 18:30 pm
@ashampoopaloo(joel1yahoo)-217: @President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-215:
BTW sharkie_president… just in case you get it wrong again that post weren’t meant for you… I guess you should know that already
17 May 2011, 18:30 pm
@ashampoopaloo(joel1yahoo)-217:
That’s only because every good story needs a villain Skop. But I like you. I look to you for inspiration sometimes.
17 May 2011, 18:32 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-214:
You the chief executer in ensuring RW goes into liquidation or what is your professional designation?
17 May 2011, 18:33 pm
@ashampoopaloo(joel1yahoo)-220:
Not quite, I’m just a very….”effluent” supplier.
17 May 2011, 18:36 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-219:
Thanks agile … you are a good sort… and there quite a good few around here too… though you got to sift and search a little for them amongst the rabble
then there are the loud mouths the ones patting themselves on their vociferous backs day in and out 24/7… they the type that need to get smacked from here to the hereafter.
Its like a vicious turnstile of a snake infested pit sometimes but such is society and so it manifests in little sample pockets like this one.
17 May 2011, 18:36 pm
@ashampoopaloo(joel1yahoo)-218: did not take it to be so so no biggy thanks
17 May 2011, 18:40 pm
Good grief there’s a chef roasting a grouse on tv.
Ag shame man.
17 May 2011, 18:42 pm
@Dawn(Dawn)-224:
You should consider getting a new TV if your set gets THAT hot lady…..
17 May 2011, 18:43 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-221:
oookay… trying to get a handle round that one
so you say Bullies will take Sharkies this weekend
Its a strange psychology ain’t it… almost every other week I’m sticking up for any team that take on Bulls…. whether its Lions or Cheetahs or even Highlanders or Saders I get behind them if they playing Bulls and especially at Loftus..
Until they play Sharks… then I’m behind Bulls 100%… that 2007 S14 final was the cherry on top of all mercenary slaying extravaganzas …. couldn’t have happened to a nicer bunch of two faced mercenaries anywhere.
17 May 2011, 18:46 pm
how is queen Joan de Arc these days… behaving herself I kinda suppose now that SBW has headed back to his fortress?
17 May 2011, 18:46 pm
@ashampoopaloo(joel1yahoo)-226:
Some Zulu bloke from KZN stole your goose, isn’t it?
Why the animosity?
17 May 2011, 18:48 pm
Sack cloths…ashes… howling…?
Naah, more Jim Jones… koolaid… and farking outstanding giggles of happiness….
Now go fly your heavenly gregori kite…
And watch as the Sharks mount your Stormers and overtake them for the top spot… This weekend… at your nearest vegetarian carrot smoothie vendor showing dstv…
17 May 2011, 18:49 pm
17 May 2011, 18:49 pm
Correction… no DHL Stormers no more…
Bacardi farking Breezers far more brokebacking appropriate….
17 May 2011, 18:49 pm
@Dawn(Dawn)-224:
Pour some soda water on it and put it out of it’s misery.
17 May 2011, 18:50 pm
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-223:
hope business is going good for you down here… though you do know how I feel about the ingredients on the menu
its just a shame that this old world is a dog eat dog society and when its not that then its a human eats anything one.
17 May 2011, 18:51 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-229: lol hiyas HG
17 May 2011, 18:53 pm
@President_of_the_Sharks_rugby_experts(sharks_lover)-234: Howzit Sharkie… Hope you having a good week… Can’t stay too long.
Tight one this weekend… Sharks vs Bulls. The Hardest Game in Rugby
17 May 2011, 18:58 pm
@ashampoopaloo(joel1yahoo)-233:
A dog eat dog world?
Tell me you haven’t moved to North Korea to evade Keo’s cyber police?
17 May 2011, 18:59 pm
Gotta go work on my Luke limerick
17 May 2011, 18:59 pm
@Agile T*t-Tyrant(Anairetes agilis)-228:
I just have this innate aversion to fakes its kinda ingrained in my DNA.. and Sharkie varkies aren’t a genuine rugby establishment… unlike Cheetahs and Lions and even WP and Bulls to lesser extents who breed proper rugby progeny from grass roots up and then they get pilfered like cheap ornaments that get stuck up on some falsified Moghuls mantelpiece… naah Sharks are a fake franchise … a lot like many of their fake supporters … they shop around and bid and buy and steal their way to stardom… it ain’t real guts and glory more like Tinseltown type Hollywood stories
Thats why the animosity… but like many here pride themselves in so much tongue in cheek type sarcasm.. even this animosity for these half baked halfarsed sharkievarkie guppies has a little tinge of that about it too … but only a very faint little of it I hope you understand … mind you
17 May 2011, 19:00 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-235: good to hear mate and thanks
Yeah bulls never easy , but then again i been saying the whole time , dont write off these bulls , to much quality in that team for them to stay down
so nothing new , this weekend will be no different , a match of note comming up
17 May 2011, 19:02 pm
The moon is full. Almal is mal vanaand.
17 May 2011, 19:03 pm
@Dawn(Dawn)-237:
something like:
“Luke is back
my personal crack
my no. is 083 222222 add another 2
I love you
PS Im good in the sack.”
…just off the top of my head.
17 May 2011, 19:06 pm
@ashampoopaloo(joel1yahoo)-238:
Couldnt agree more. The Sharks should be replaced by IMPI KINGS in 2013 S15.
17 May 2011, 19:06 pm
Naaa. I ain’t obsessed and that’s plain sisgusting.
17 May 2011, 19:09 pm
@Dawn(Dawn)-243:
Sorry Ma’am, I seem to have grossly misjudged your character. It’s just that you say so little, and I’ve had to draw conclusions from other bloggers posts.
Friends?
17 May 2011, 19:21 pm
The best thing HSM can do is to keep Luke out of the spotlight and let him be reintroduced to SA rugby in a “calm” manner.
Allow him to concentrate on playing and let him do his talking on the field.
Of course he will never convince some of the jokers on this blog, but then again it’s not them he has to convince.
I truly hope is “loaned” to a S15 franchise next year in order for us to judge his form against the loosies that will be vying for a Bok spot.
Luke stay away from the covers of mags, get the Kings playing good rugby, lead them with integrity (if you are made captain) and let things take care of themselves.
Welcome back and good luck !!
17 May 2011, 19:22 pm
got to go out and get some electricity before the lights go out
ciao.. ciao
behave yourself some more my little queen Jeanne d’Arc … easy on the you know what … look after yourself
17 May 2011, 19:28 pm
@justrugby(justrugby)-245:
Thats right.. thats what they shoulda done from word go instead of all the saintlihood and the opposite villainhood that goes with it
Luke should have been Bok in 2005-06 , any other player with that degree of natural ability and natural leadership type attitude would have been… except here where rugby is hardly ever just about rugby .. and is so often about so much else
anyway.. night.
17 May 2011, 19:36 pm
@ashampoopaloo(joel1yahoo)-247:
Once again Skop ……………you are right on the button !!!!
17 May 2011, 19:58 pm
@gunther(gunther)-236: Ja, him and old Gary Glitter.
17 May 2011, 20:28 pm
@ashampoopaloo(joel1yahoo)-201:
Would you like to produce some evidence to back up your conspiracy theory? He antagonised his team mates & many, many Bok supporters.
At the time he said what he said and he behaved the way he behaved. He was not popular post-Jake either.
Having said that since 2009 he has cleaned up his act and I for one will give him a clean slate. So welcome back Luke
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