It turns out that Jake White will be meeting with SA president Thabo Mbeki after all.
The leadership of SARU initially advised White to cancel the meeting, saying that he was going behind their backs and not following protocol. The leadership of SARU were running scared when White announced that he would be meeting the president – possibly afraid that White would be giving Thabo Mbeki a first-hand account of their continued incompetence in running the game in South Africa.
In a statement on Tuesday, they said: “The South African Rugby Union has advised Springbok coach Jake White to cancel his meeting with President Thabo Mbeki, due to the fact that internal protocol was not followed.
“Given this bold step that has been taken by the Springbok coach, SARU realises that Mr White has issues that are unresolved between himself and his leadership. The leadership would therefore like to afford Mr White an opportunity to air his concerns internally before he can take any issues to an external audience.”
SARU has finally given White ‘permission’ to visit the president of South Africa, but in a new twist to the saga, he will be accompanied by the entire Bok team.
It is known that a letter was sent by a member of the Springbok management (probably Zola Yeye) to the offices of the presidency, requesting a “courtesy visit†with the entire team on Friday. It appears from their actions that Stofile, Yeye and Hoskins want to keep tabs on Jake and make sure he doesn’t spill the beans.
SARU’s leadership were hauled over the coals this week for not responding to accusations that the ANC and the president were plotting to take over rugby. Accusations that allegedly came from Jake’s lawyer.
Hope they enjoy their tea party!