AUDIO: Whiteley opens up on Lions exodus
LISTEN to Lions captain and Springbok No.8 Warren Whiteley, as he fronted up to the media this week, where he spoke about his future and the mass exodus at the union.
He admitted he was ‘nervous’ ahead of his first game back, a challenge Cup fixture against the Bulls this past weekend – following a lengthy injury-enforced lay-off.
The 30-year-old picked up the injury in his side’s loss to the Blue at Ellis Park in March, when Whiteley suffered a grade two PCL [posterior cruciate ligament] injury.
He was initially expected to be sidelined for only four weeks, but aggravated the injury in a training session a month later and finally made his comeback this past weekend.
“The first game is always tough,” Whiteley told a media briefing in Johannesburg – as the Lions ramped up preparations for their crucial Super Rugby showdown with the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.
He added that the Lions’ 47-29 win over the Bulls was ‘good preparation’ for the trip to Durban.
Whiteley said he would be back to his best in ‘about three weeks’ – when they host the Bulls at Ellis Park in mid-July in the final round of league action.
“I am going to work as hard as I can, to be the best I can,” he said.
Whiteley said he was not concerned about the mass exodus at the franchise, saying there is enough young talent coming through.
Bok centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg has become the latest confirmed departure. He has been released to join Sale Sharks in the English Premiership.
Other confirmed departures include highly-rated prop Ruan Dreyer and flank Jaco Kriel – both joining former coach Johan Ackermann at Gloucester.
Bok lock Franco Mostert has also been linked to a move to Gloucester – with the club releasing two statements that the move is confirmed. However, the Lions, after the initial announcement, contested the claims of the move, suggesting the correct procedures have not been followed.
Players like Armand van der Merwe (Sharks), Francois de Klerk (Wasps) and Ruan Ackermann (Gloucester) also departed in the last 12 months.
Bok flyhalf Elton Jantjies and fullback Andries Coetzee have both been heavily linked with moves to France.
“For every player it is different,” Whiteley said, when asked about the departures.
“Every player is at a different stage in his career and makes personal decisions.
“The fact that we [the Lions] have stayed together as a group for the last four to five years is phenomenal. That is a testament to the culture we have here.
“For me, I would like to stay – it is a personal decision.
“Some guys are fortunate to get Springbok contracts,” Whiteley said, adding: “Those guys, with Bok contracts, are in a stronger position to stay in South Africa.
“I am being completely honest. It is a tough decision, but when you get to my age – I am 30 – other things influence your decision.
“I am fortunate enough to be in negotiations with SA Rugby [for a Bok contract] and I am really grateful for that.
“Every single guy that is going [abroad] wants to stay. They love it here and they contributed so much to the union.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjIXfkOEAO0
