×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Minister recalls De Villiers to develop rugby

Springboks coach Peter de Villiers talks on his mobile phone during the captain's run at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland, September 29, 2011. The Springboks play against Samoa in their final pool game of the Rugby World Cup in Auckland on Friday
Springboks coach Peter de Villiers talks on his mobile phone during the captain's run at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland, September 29, 2011. The Springboks play against Samoa in their final pool game of the Rugby World Cup in Auckland on Friday
Image: Mike Hutchings/REUTERS

"We want him to develop the best model for grassroots rugby in the country"

SPORT and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula is bringing former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers back into rugby to assist with the development of the sport.

"It is a great pleasure to announce that we are getting Peter back into rugby to help us with development projects of the sport," the sports minister said.

"We want him to develop the best model for grassroots rugby in the country. We are engaging him. The man has a wealth of knowledge that we need to tap into.

"Peter has done well for the country, including winning big events with the junior national teams," Mbalula said.

The minister has said he wants to see schools in the townships and villages playing competitive rugby.

"There is talent in abundance in the townships and villages in Gugulethu, Khayelitsha and the Eastern Cape. We want to see schools in Seshego, Bloemfontein, Mamelodi and other townships also playing rugby and producing great players for the Springboks."

De Villiers won a bronze medal with the South African Under-19 squad at the 1999 Rugby World Championships, and won gold in 2005 with the same team and silver the following year. In 2007, the former national coach won the Nations Cup with the Emerging Springboks.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.