White calls Mbeki

The soap opera that is SA rugby continues…

Bok coach Jake White has reportedly asked SA President Thabo Mbeki to intervene in his ongoing battle with the South African Rugby Union (SARU). The SABC reports that White has managed to secure a meeting with Mbeki for Friday.

It has been a drama-filled weekend for poor, beleaguered Jake following reports that he was linked to an assault on a journalist. There were also suggestions that radical changes are set be made in South African rugby following the World Cup. The Saturday Star newspaper reported that the first 2008 Springbok team will be made up of at least 10 black and coloured players and that Jake White and Barney Smit will also be replaced by Peter de Villiers and Luke Watson respectively.

The managing director of SA Rugby, Jonathan Stones (who?), confirmed that he is aware of the upcoming meeting between White and Mbeki. Additionally, SA Rugby spokesperson Rayaan Adriaanse confirmed reports that an investigation would take place into the alleged assault (in which Jake was somehow involved) on a ‘journalist’ from Die Son at a Sandton nightspot.

Reports are that White had a heated argument with the journalist, which was then broken up. The journo was later assaulted by a third party – one ‘Colin’, and then laid charges with the police.

Last week Brian Biebuyck, Jake White’s former lawyer, accused the rugby establishment of trying to secure ANC and government control of rugby. This allegation emerged after the controversial selection of Luke Watson in the Springbok team.

Toys are being thrown all over the SA Rugby offices and it would appear that Jake wants the President to step in and tell everyone to calm down…

As we know, Watson is the son of former anti-apartheid activist Cheeky Watson, who is still close with the ANC as well as  Zola Yeye, the Springbok manager.  Rugby and political bosses believe the only way to “Africanise” a sport which has been dominated by the white population is to take radical steps.

De Villiers has already been blowing his own trumpet, as well as making excuses (about potential results):

“I have no problem with the transformation requirements. My record at Under-19, Under-21 and provincial level speaks for itself. Other coaches pick black players in their squad, but don’t play them. That’s where I am different. I pick the players and play them. There will be pain (in the results) but it is something we must go through to transform the team. It would be an honour for me to coach the Boks. Luke was my captain with the Under-21,” he said. “He would be my first name on the team sheet he’s inspirational, dynamic and a great player.”