Are players still loyal to their Rugby Unions?
Cheetah Currie Cup Winners
I remember quite well the time when rugby went from the amateur era to professionalism. I believe it was in the early nineties when players moved from one Union to another and the journalists questioned the “loyalty” of these players. We were told about how much the Union has offered to the player [outside of monetary remuneration] and how unfortunate it is that such a player has discarded these values to further his playing career at another Union.
This has all changed with the professional era. It is now generally accepted that players are professional and they need to make decisions that is best for them, their career and their financial sustainability. The better their performance on the pitch, the more likely that they and their agents will be approached with lucrative offers from other Unions locally and even abroad!
But does player loyalty to Unions still exist? The good news is that there are still other factors having a positive influence on the career decisions – and these could be perceived as “loyalty” as well. A very good team environment and good living conditions as well as career opportunities for spouses are factors to be considered. Not everyone is comfortable living in a foreign country and likes to be playing outside of South Africa for more than one or two years.
The recent move by Jacques Fourie and Bryan Habana to the Vodacom Stormers has raised the eyebrows of many supporters. Jacques Fourie has long been regarded as being the “most loyal” of provincial rugby players, having stayed with an underperforming team for many years despite several lucrative offers.
Bryan Habana has been the darling of Loftus, and his move to Cape Town has surprised many. There appears to be a trend amongst more players to broaden their horizons and to move, not necessarily on account of more money, but also with a view to a gaining a bit more “life experience” by playing and living in different places and making friends amongst a wider rugby fraternity.
Perhaps the best place to find the “loyal” rugby players is at the Vodacom Cheetahs. Players tend to stay at the Cheetahs not on account of Currie Cup successes, but because of some secret ingredient which might have something to do with friendships, team environment, the community etc.
Players such as Juan Smith, Wian Du Preez, Hendro Scholtz and in past years the legendary Os Du Randt could have moved away for more money to the bigger Unions, but decided to remain at the Cheetahs.
The pride and joy at winning a Currie Cup trophy is something that has nothing to do with money or financial bonuses. Winning with true friends and collecting memories in the process is something that no money can buy and something that a smaller union such as the Vodacom Cheetahs has been able to deliver to players and fans!
We can only hope that players will continue to play for the jersey and not only for the cheque at the end of the month. Supporters will always love a team player more than a mercenary!
[Story by Rugby15.co.za]
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