South African rugby management expressed their continued support for Springbok coach Jake White and the springboks on Tuesday, despite recent poor results.
South African Rugby Union (SARU) president Oregan Hoskins, chairperson of the Saru board Mpumelelo Tshume and the SA Rugby managing director issued a statement on behalf of both Saru and SA Rugby.
They acknowledged that the Springboks did not deliver the desired results against New Zealand and Australia.
They said the team and its managers deserved the support of the controlling body, the rugby fraternity and key stakeholders.
”While we understand public disappointment because of recent results, we believe that the team is capable of turning things around. As we all shared in the recent success of the team, we now need to show the same spirit of unity and support in times of difficulty.
”We want to state very clearly that this administration is no believer in the notion of irrational and harsh decision-making. We want to reiterate our full support for Jake White and the team as they prepare for the remainder of the 2006 international season and also the 2007 Rugby World Cup tournament.
”It is equally important to state SA Rugby’s commitment to transformation. Transformation is a process and will always be part and parcel of the South African social and sporting environment. We believe rugby will not prosper unless we find acceptable ways to transform the game at all levels.
”The team will assemble soon to start preparations for the rest of the Vodacom Tri-Nations competition. We call on all South Africans to rally behind the team and to support them when they tackle the All Blacks and Wallabies on home soil,” the statement read. — Sapa