Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli and head coach Ivan van Rooyen have denied reports of the union hierarchy interfering with team selection and game plans.
According to the story Rugby365 last week, a meeting between the coaching staff – including its senior members – was held after the Lions 44-28 loss to Western Province in the opening round of the Currie Cup.
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The Lions Rugby Company (LRC) will reportedly not be drawn into speculation about the record holder Rugby365 where the union coach allegedly raised some issues with upper management.
“We cannot comment on an audio recording that we have not heard,” the union’s official comment on the matter.
As mentioned in Rugby365 the story, the recording of the discussion of the possibility of the coaching staff confronting Straeuli with that problem. These include Straeuli’s “disruption and involvement in training schedules, game plans and selections” and “increasing conflicts. [Tracy] Van Ginkel [the union’s contracts and operations manager] in the line-up of coaches and players”.
“In meetings, I sometimes ask about the game plan planned for the weekend. But I never prescribe the game,” said Straeuli quoted by various media.
Van Rooyen has since confirmed about Straeuli’s event and he told the Sunday newspaper Report: “Rudolf will share his opinion and insight as a rugby man. He doesn’t force his way of playing or team selection.
However, sources said Report that all the coaches “know the problem at the Lions, but don’t talk about it”.
“I know there are people who just want to protect their paychecks, so they’re keeping quiet,” the insider said. “The coaches don’t fight, but they don’t talk about the problems they have. It doesn’t help the Lions to improve.
- This story was originally published on sarugbymag.co.za and has been republished here with permission