Habana opens up about disaster year
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Habana apologised to fans for his part in a disappointing year, which has seen the Springboks suffer a record eight Test defeats under head coach Allister Coetzee.
"The pain, disappointment and lows of what happened over the past three weeks and that has been happening over the past six months is by far the toughest and lowest I have ever experienced in my rugby career, and I've had many lows," said Habana.
"To even begin to explain where it's all gone wrong is immensely difficult as there are so many things across the board to dissect and you cannot put it down to just one thing.
"Purely from a players perspective, our on-field performances, bar a few individuals at certain times, hasn't been up to standard and we take full responsibility for that despite all the off-field issues.
"Personally, I honestly felt that I could make a positive influence and impact both on and off the field in 2016 and unfortunately I haven't been able to do that and I apologise for the part I played in the results of this year.
"I fully understand the hurt, dissatisfaction and despair felt about where this current Springbok team is and I'm also prepared to face all the criticism that comes my way in the part I've played.
"Like you all, I also want to see the Springboks be a force to be reckoned with and instill pride back into the jersey and be that symbol of hope and unity that it has been on so many occasions for our country.
"I believe open and honest discussions need to be had with all the key role players, administrators, politicians, coaches and players to start a proper process of rebuilding and implementation of structures.
"Whether or not I'm a part of this group going forward, or whether changes get made on an administrative, coaching or players level, we can never lose the belief that we can fix it."
