Peter de Villiers, former Springbok coach has lashed out at the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) after he was fired as the Sables’ head coach. When he was appointed Zimbabwe head coach in February 2018, he was mandated with qualifying for Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2019 in Japan. The Sables, unfortunately, failed to qualify.
De Villiers, however, seems to be suggesting that he was sacked for his absence from work. He had stayed in South Africa where he was supporting his cancer-stricken daughter.
Speaking to the SowetanLIVE on Wednesday De Villiers said:
<blockquote>When I went for the hearing I was locked out of the flat I had in Harare because they (ZRU) hadn’t paid the rent.
They are claiming I faked my child’s sickness‚ so those are the kind of people I’m dealing with. How the hell can they say that? They are not honourable people.
The problems began when the deputy president started selecting team. It got to the point that I would arrive at the airport to go away for a game and the players were the ones he picked. Despite this‚ I enjoyed standing up for the boys.
It is bad to me because they don’t seem to value their own people. Players weren’t paid properly. I had to use money from my own pocket to keep the vibe in the team up.</blockquote>
De Villiers also said that chances of winning an appeal against retrenchment were zero. He said:
<blockquote>But it’s hard because even if I fight‚ I’m not going to win.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sport/rugby/2019-05-29-former-bok-coach-peter-de-villier-fires-salvo-at-zimbabwe-rugby-union-after-sacking/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sowetan Live</a>

Pindula News

“They Are Not Honorable People.” - Ex-Springbok Coach Lashes At Zim Rugby Union

Zimbabwe national rugby coach Peter de Villers has criticised World Rugby for the inadequate funding supplied to African teams. Zimbabwe and other countries in the Gold Cup received $45 000. However, Namibia who won this year’s competition and have qualified for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, get at least $1,5 million a year. Said De Villiers,
<blockquote>I think it’s a disgrace from World Rugby because of the little money they put into Africa for the kind of rugby we saw here today. There was all the ingredients; we saw great line breaks, scramble defence, there were first phases that were brilliant and we had ball steals on the ground so I think with more resources and getting these guys to become professional players; Africa will make a step up in World Rugby.
At this stage, I think they are afraid of that but if not, why don’t they put in the right kind of money here in Africa?</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2018/08/21/de-villers-slams-world-rugby" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Daily News</a>

De Villiers Criticises World Rugby For Inadequate Funding Of African Teams

The Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) has hired former Springboks coach Peter DeVilliers as the new coach for the national team, the Sables. DeVilliers coached the South African national rugby team for four years between 2008 to 2011 and managed to win 30 Tests out of 48 during this period.
De Villiers was unveiled by the ZRU today after previously being involved with the National Under-20 team. After being announced as the new head coach, De Villiers said
<blockquote>It would be an honour to coach Zimbabwe, but I’m waiting anxiously on decisions to be made by the board, and I believe they will make the right decision.
I’m still a servant of the game and would want to serve whenever and whatever I can.
I’m not expecting to get the job because I know there are a lot of great candidates who also came for the job, and I know they are capable of getting the team to the next level.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/peter-de-villiers-named-zimbabwe-coach-20180207">Sports24</a>

Peter de Villiers Latest News

Latest Jobs