Lions deny ‘problems’ in the den

SPORTSAREENA.comMarch 21, 2023

38 1 minute read

Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli and head coach Ivan van Rooyen have dismissed stories of the union’s hierarchy interfering in group picks and sport plan.

According to a narrative on Rugby365 final week, a gathering between the teaching workers – together with its senior members – was held after the Lions’ 44-28 loss to Western Province in the opening spherical of the Currie Cup.

ALSO READ: Straeuli says there isn’t any witch hunt at Lions

The Lions Rugby Company (LRC) will reportedly not get drawn into hypothesis relating to a recording in possession of Rugby365 in which the union’s coaches allegedly raised quite a lot of points regarding higher administration.

“We cannot comment on an audio recording we have not heard,” was the official remark from the union relating to the matter.

As said in the Rugby365 story, the recording mentioned the chance of the teaching workers confronting Straeuli with their points. These embody “Straeuli’s ongoing ‘interference’ and involvement in training schedules, game plans and selection” and “a growing malcontent towards [Tracy] van Ginkel [the union’s contracts and operations manager] in the coaching and players’ ranks”.

“At the meetings I sometimes ask questions about our planned game plan for the weekend. But I never prescribe the game plan,” Straeuli was quoted by varied media.

Van Rooyen has since confirmed Straeuli’s tackle occasions and he informed Sunday newspaper Rapport: “Rudolf will share his opinion and insight as a rugby man. He does not force the way of play or team selection.”

However, a supply informed Rapport that each one the coaches “know about the problems at the Lions, but don’t talk about it”.

“I understand there are people who just want to protect their salaries, and that’s why they remain silent,” the insider added. “The coaches don’t fight with each other at all, but they don’t talk about the existing problems either. This doesn’t help to improve the Lions.”