How the hell can we believe you?
Rugby365 editor Jan de Koning takes a critical look at Brian van Rooyen's last moments as president of the South African Rugby Union (SARU) and feels that his final attempts at justifying himself would have been humorous, had it not been such a serious matter.
It's a little over 36 hours since WRU Chief Executive Steve Lewis ruined most of Britain's Rugby journalists' Valentine's dinners by announcing the departure of Mike Ruddock.
I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry when I read what Brian van Rooyen had to say at last Friday's SARU Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Cape Town – where he was dumped unceremoniously as president of the union.
I wasn't present at the meeting, but he was quoted extensively in the media and they all said exactly the same thing, so we have to assume he did utter these statements.
It reminded me of what English critic Samuel Johnson once said: "Self-love is often rather arrogant than blind; it does not hide our faults from ourselves, but persuades us that they escape the notice of others."
The reason I say this, is because of the utterances of Van Rooyen as he was about to be booted out.
Here is what he told the SARU AGM:
1. "I had inherited a ramshackled ship and today I hand over a seaworthy vessel."
2. "It would be preposterous to blow my own trumpet, but history will show that Brian van Rooyen has achieved more for SA rugby than any of his predecessors."
Added to that, he uttered this gem last week before the AGM:
3. "The election will start at nine o'clock, and end at five minutes past nine… this will be easier than when I went up against Silas [Nkanunu] for the presidency."
Let's address these one at a time:
1. Admittedly the Springboks' performances on the field were diabolical before Van Rooyen arrived, but the administration was sound. I have news for Van Rooyen, a strong Bok team does not make for sound administration. As a colleague of mine said last week, the Boks are doing well in spite of Van Rooyen. On the administrative front I think the ship is not as seaworthy as he would like to think. That is why he is no longer there. There are 27 SARU administrators who agree with me.
2. You're right Brian, it is "PREPOSTEROUS" to blow your own trumpet. You achieved more than "any" of your predecessors? Have you ever heard the name Danie Craven? Maybe not, that is why you would make such a brain-dead statement. Try Louis Luyt, the man who helped get you into power. Under Luyt we won the rights to host a Rugby World Cup, a very successful one at that. We even won the damn tournament. Under you, erm … erm … Oh, yes, we got booted out in the first round of voting and the World Cup committee pointed fingers at your administration as one of the reasons why they were concerned. But let's not bother with such trivial matters, you only lost ZAR12-million in your first year. As for the SANZAR deal, well, you just piggy-backed on New Zealand and Australia's efforts, who really clinched the deal.
3. Guess what Brian, the election lasted 45 minutes, but the result was not what you predicted. Enough said!
As a parting shot, Brian, here's some wise words from US author Jim Rohn: "The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly."
Do you agree/disagree with Jan? E-Mail us your thoughts!
