VIDEO: South Africa's youth structure is 'brutal'
WATCH as the Boks Office crew share their views on why South African players are so sought after around the world.
South African stars can be found in the top leagues in Europe and Japan and it is a trend that will continue for years to come.
Last year, the Springboks became the first team to win four World Cups which is an indication of their strength on the global stage.
Springbok legend Schalk Burger believes the youth set-up in South Africa is one of the main reasons why the country’s players are so sought after.
The story continues below…
“In the beginning, in Japan, it was probably Australia and New Zealand that dominated those markets and now South Africans are so sought after.
“I think it’s a couple of things,” said Burger in the latest episode of Boks Office.
“It’s work ethic. The fact that our youth structure is so brutal that you get two years and if you don’t perform, you are gone.
“You arrive there and you can’t catch a kick-off, you are not getting coached to get better.
“These kids go across and get a second shot at becoming a pro rugby player and they are just absolutely desperate to make it and they also feel a lot.
“South African players don’t like losing and I think that is really important.”
The story continues below…
Former Springbok centre Jean de Villiers also shared his view.
“I think we take a lot of pride in the way that we sell ourselves as individuals, but also as South Africans,” said De Villiers.
“You are not going to go to a club and just be there and take the pay cheque at the end of the month. It’s a personal thing and it’s a pride thing.
“Every time you play, you play to win and I think the fight element that we have, we don’t give up.
“It’s due to the circumstances of South Africa and also some have it far tougher than others.
“But we are a nation where we find solutions because problems and issues have been a part of our lives since day one.”
* This entire episode and much more are on RugbyPass TV. All you need to do is sign up for a free account on RugbyPass TV and watch the entire episode.
