Peter de Villiers steps down as Springboks coach
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SUN, 09 OCT 2011 10:32P.M.
By Dylan Moran
South African coach Peter de Villiers has stood down following his team’s 11-9 Rugby World Cup loss to Australia tonight.
De Villiers made the announcement at the post-match press conference, though in true de Villiers’ fashion it was difficult to decipher whether he was standing down or expected to be pushed.
“I think so,” he replied when asked whether he was out of a job, before breaking into a chuckle. When he elaborated it was with a long quote typical of his tenure.
It was a brilliant journey, something that none of you guys can take away from me. To work with people like this, people who are passionate about their country, people who are always putting their body on the line and try to bring back hope for the poor people at home who don’t have the privilege that most of you guys have. It was really incredible to work with them. But you know, there’s a time to come and a time to go, and the journey I think for me is over. So I enjoyed it, I’m privileged to be in the position where I could make a contribution to my country, I hope it was a positive one and South African rugby will go forward, and it will be much better next year when they come back” he said.
Retiring Springbok captain John Smit was on hand and spoke of de Villiers tenure.
“We’ve had a really good four years together, and that’s been pioneered by Peter. Not the usual mould of coach we’re used to, but one that we thoroughly enjoyed over four years,” he says.
“Peter de Villiers is a good man, he’s a quality man. I’ve actually enjoyed the interactions I’ve had with him, it’s been a pleasure,” said Australian coach Robbie Deans.
The position of South African coach has always been a political appointment and one with lots going on behind the scenes, so watching them figure out just who will take the reins will be interesting.
Read more: http://www.3news.co.nz/Peter-de-Vill...#ixzz1aHUWE1UN
