Secure the tenure of Jake White as coach of the Springbok rugby team until at least the end of the Rugby World Cup 2007.

Dear Sirs







It is indeed a sad day for South African rugby and its supporters when despite pleas for sanity and stability, the SARU administration is seen to be hell bent on not only the wholesale undermining of internal administrative and management structures but the wanton destruction of viable and indeed surpassing levels of coaching and training standards that support and promote the current development and economic needs of the country.







In the first instance above, we refer to the totally unprofessional and uncalled for media sanctioned bun fight of Messrs Maarkgraaf, Stofile and Van Rooyen circa April 2005. The outcome of this debacle is common cause and need not be further expounded upon for the purposes of this petition.







In the second instance above, we draw to your attention to the undeniable fact that since the start of Mr Whites tenure as coach of the Springbok rugby team the performance of said team has increased markedly. Not only is this self-evident but statements made by the teams captain, John Smit, and other team members have time and again shown that Mr Whites leadership, skill and motivation play a vital role in the teams success.







While we would not presume to comment on the financial standing of SA Rugby or any other commercial bodies with an interest in the Springbok team, we would submit that a win for the Boks is a win for the sponsors. This refers not only to an on field win but a management, coaching or leadership win as well.







Jake White is clearly such a win. Not only has he satisfied internal coaching criteria and shown his worth by coming through the ranks all the way from school level coaching, but is internationally recognised as one of, if not the worlds best rugby union coach







To say that Mr White is not performing well as a coach is laughable. To say that Mr White is not being faithful in his commitment to transformation in Springbok rugby is a disgrace to the very concept. Indeed, Mr White has at last shown that transformation does not weaken Springbok rugby but in fact makes it stronger,







This strength comes not from an unwilling submission to change but a skilful identification and utilisation of talent within the entire scope of South African rugby. This transformation need not be forced. It is clearly a part of Mr Whites plan and any intervention would be a detriment not only to South African rugby but the transformation process as a whole.







When a Springbok team is doing badly it is the supporters that are first to call for accountability. When a Springbok team is doing well it is the supporters who buy the season tickets, Springbok, Super 12 and Curry Cup jerseys, fill up with Sasol and drink Castle Lager.







It is those same supporters who now call for immediate action to secure the tenure of Jake White as coach of the Springbok rugby team until at least the end of the Rugby World Cup 2007.