Like 'the first time' for new Bok boss
Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:33
It may his third tour of duty and it is only a temporary appointment, but Arthob Petersen says his latest stint as Springbok team manager feels like the first time.
Jannie Ferreira, chairperson of the South African Rugby Union (SARU) committee tasked with handling the process of the appointment of a Bok manager, confirmed that Petersen has appointed for the duration of the tour to Wales, England and Scotland in November.
The need for an interim Bok team manager arose after Andy Marinos, himself only a stopgap measure and also the Manager of National teams, had to relinquish the Bok manager's job after stepping in as acting Managing Director of SA Rugby (Pty) Ltd - the commercial arm of SARU.
The SARU President's Council voted on the issue on Wednesday, with Ferreira also consulting with SARU President Oregan Hoskins and Bok coach Peter de Villiers.
"Due to the little time we had, we were looking for an experienced person who had done the job before," said Ferreira.
Petersen has served two pervious terms - between 1994 and 1997 under Nick Mallett and from 2004 to 2006 with Jake White. On the year-end tour of 1997 he had the privilege to work with current Bok coach Peter de Villiers, who was then one of Mallett's assistants.
Six people were shortlisted after nominations closed last Friday.
"As always, it is a huge honour and a privilege," Petersen told rugby365.com.
"It feels the first time I went on tour with the Boks," he said, adding: "It remains a huge challenge and demands that we maintain high standards.
"Obviously, with a new coach, there would be changes, but I am prepared to be guided by what the coach and the players' needs are.
"I endeavour to set the highest standards and certainly won't let the team down."
By Jan de Koning
