VIDEO: No change from Lions' Cash
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: The well-worn cliche states: “A new broom sweeps clean.” New Golden Lions Currie Cup coach Ivan van Rooyen is the exception to the rule.
Cash, a nickname that stems from his university days, said there will be ‘no change’ to how they approach the game.
Addressing the media for the first time – ahead of their Currie Cup opener against Griquas at Ellis Park on Friday, Van Rooyen spoke of being “excited” about the challenge ahead.
With a background in strength and conditioning, this is his first foray into the ‘head coach’ territory.
He pointed out that he has been part of the Lions set-up for many years and do not plan mass changes.
“Coach Swys [de Bruin] is still actively involved,” he said of the Lions’ Super Rugby mentor, who is currently part of the Springboks’ Rugby Championship set-up.
“It is more about managing the system than just coaching.”
Van Rooyen pointed out that having been ‘moulded’ at the Lions for the last nine years, he plans to continue with the successful formula instated by those before him.
“I was fortunate to work with Mitch [John Mitchell], under Akkers [Johan Ackermann] and Swys [de Bruin].
“I will just try and take forward what we stand for and who we are.
“Yes, there are one or two things that might differ slightly, [but] I am not reinventing the wheel.”
Lions Rugby Company (Pty) Ltd. would Ilke to announce the Currie Cup Structure for 2018. @ivanvanr has been appolnted the 2018 Head Coach of the Xerox Golden Lions @TheCurrieCup Team and the Performance Excellence Manager of Llons Rugby Company. pic.twitter.com/MVXozXT3CM
— Xerox Golden Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) August 17, 2018
Given the large number of young players in the squad, Van Rooyen said they will be looking for players who can play Super Rugby in 2019.
With nine players who can still play Under-21, they will “rotate” throughout the season.
“For me, the bigger picture is the Lions,” he said, adding that while the Currie Cup is a great competition and a sought-after title, it is also important to “grow the juniors” and take the union forward.
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We are gearing up for the @DirectAxis @TheCurrieCup season. Make sure to save these dates!#LetsUnite pic.twitter.com/vxBLmhouJR
— Xerox Golden Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) August 13, 2018
