& Loose Balls
We don’t know whether he’s on a Contiki Tour but Western Province president Thelo Wakefield’s appetite for long-distance travel, presumably at the cost of his union, is continuing to raise the ire of some. After all, the pro arm of his union was liquidated in 2016. Last weekend Wakefield was more visible than the subs on the Stormers’ bench as the Crusaders ran amok in Christchurch. Wakefield is doing some running of his own. He’s hoping to secure a spot in high office at SA Rugby and were he to crack the nod on the board, he may as well double up as their trip advisor.
Tightheads
● Tightheads caught up with former Springbok scrumhalf Werner Swanepoel this week. He reminisced about the days when Rassie Erasmus was his roommate on tour. "I told him that we saw more of each other than our wives. We’d go to movies or shop. I remember Willie Meyer (Springbok prop) saying once after about a month on tour that he’d only spent about six Aussie dollars. By then Rassie and I would have spent a bit more."
● Swanepoel found himself on a cycle tour in the Western Cape this week, which was tortuous for the part-time pedaller. "I tell you, everything hurts. I love the Cape but I promise you I’m so gatvol I’m done with the Cape as well."
● After a colourful administrative career in rugby’s top echelons, former Lions and SA Rugby chief executive Johan Prinsloo is continuing to enjoy his retirement in the Southern Cape. He made it clear that he has little interest in serving the game at a high level again. "Nee, genade," he told Tightheads. "If I was given the choice of going to Afghanistan or working at SA Rugby, I’d much rather go to Afghanistan."
● Apart from drawing on the expertise of several former test stars, erstwhile Bok coach Heyneke Meyer is attracting some star power from the Pacific for next month’s World Schools Festival in Paarl. This week former Bok lock Victor Matfield and flyhalf Jaco van der Westhuyzen were being named as coaches to the invitational Africa Pacific Select XV. Ex-Bok wing Cornal Hendricks, as well as retired Super Rugby stars Tongan international Hale T-Pole, and Samoan scrumhalf Junior Poluleuligaga have been earmarked for mentorship roles.