The headline in Sunday tabloid Sondag on May 6, which quoted Springbok coach Jake White as saying he alone chooses the Springbok team, was wrong and misleading, White said on Thursday.
White issued a strongly worded statement refuting the claim made in the headline, which led to much debate in rugby circles. He said he had found it necessary to explain to the public that the headline could not be attributed to anything he had said.
”The journalist concerned approached me about an interview on my plans for this very important rugby season,” said White. ”I was surprised and disappointed to learn afterwards of the headline that appeared on front page. It read as follows: ”Ek kies self die Bokke” (I choose the Boks myself.)
”I want to state categorically that the headline is wrong and misleading and can in no way be attributed to anything I said in the interview.
”I therefore want to reiterate the following,” continued White. ”The responsible journalist confirmed that the quote in the headline appears nowhere in the story itself.
”For matter of clarification, let me explain how the process of team selection works and why it will illustrate that the headline is wrong.
”In choosing or announcing a national team, the selectors follow these guidelines: A selection panel is responsible for the selection of the Springbok training squad and the Springbok team.
Currently the selection panel consists of three members: Peter Jooste (convener), Ian MacIntosh and the incumbent Springbok coach (Jake White). The task of the selection panel is to compile and ultimately reach consensus on the composition of the national team; once finalised, the convener of selectors then forwards the team for final sign-off to the South African Rugby Union presidency and the chairperson of the board of SA Rugby; once duly signed off, the team is then ready for public announcement.
”I therefore find it very strange,” said White, ”that the headline can quote me as saying that I will choose the Springbok team on my own. I have always followed the correct process and protocol.
”As the national coach I have a duty to be sensitive to the transformation process of our country.
”My record on and commitment to the sensitive nature of transformation within the Springbok team speaks for itself. Since my appointment as national coach in early 2004, I have chosen 21 players of colour for the Springboks — a total of 13 coloured players and 8 ethnic black players.
”I am a proud South African who is very proud of our many cultures and diversity. Coaching the Springboks is still the ultimate for me and it is something that I am fully committed to and very passionate about.” — Sapa