Lions united against racism
VAN ROOYEN: ALWAYS HAD A ‘CULTURE OF INCLUSIVITY’
As a franchise which represents all levels of society, the Lions have taken a holistic approach to the controversial Black Lives Matter campaign, according to head coach Cash van Rooyen.
While the union said it had taken a general stand against racism in recent years, Van Rooyen admitted there was an ongoing discussion in an attempt to address the deep-rooted debate.
“It is an issue that can count in your favour or can also count against you,” Van Rooyen said yesterday.
“So I don’t want to expand too much on the subject, but within our squad and our culture there are definite issues we do discuss and topics we are attending to.”
As a squad, Van Rooyen felt they had formed a bond, while also ensuring the players and management had respect for each individual’s point of view.
“We had a quick team meeting with the guys on Tuesday again and we are all in favour of inclusivity, and we all form part of the culture,” he said.
“All of our actions and presentations form part of that culture and we are always ensuring that whatever we do, we make the Lions brand proud.”
Meanwhile, non-contact preparations were in full swing ahead of a potential return to competition next month, and Van Rooyen said five of their seven new signings had already joined up with the rest of the squad.
They included hooker Jaco Visagie, centre Burger Odendaal, fullback Divan Rossouw, wing Rabz Maxwane and prop Wiehahn Herbst.
“Everybody is here with the exception of two,” he said, with prop Ruan Dreyer and centre EW Viljoen having been delayed from returning from their Gloucester and Leicester Tigers clubs in England respectively.
“Ruan and EW flew in from England but they are currently in self-isolation at home or wherever they are, but they are in Gauten,” he said.
“The rest are all here with us. The four guys from the Bulls have arrived along with the rest, and hopefully the other two will join us in a week or so.”