'Get over it Brian' say readers

Wednesday September 08 2004

'Concentrate on what matters'

Our readers were more than a little irked over the decision made by SARFU President Brian van Rooyen's to take legal action against former Springbok centre Robbie Fleck after the latter said some unkind things about Van Rooyen. The readers believe it is time the SARFU boss starts worrying about what matters - starting with the violence in South African club rugby.

Just get over it!

ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS:

"Once more our illustrious president of rugby manages to make us the laughing stock of the world. I could not agree more with Robbie Fleck. The comments he made about Van Rooyen appear to be relatively accurate so far. It almost makes one long for Louis!!!"
- Malcolm, UK

"I am absolutely disgusted at the prospect of Brian van Rooyen taking legal action against former Bok player Robbie Fleck for his verbal spray. I totally agree in that I would think that Van Rooyen would have better things to worry about. But if it is his public image that he is worried about, than he shouldn't even be at the post.

"If Van Rooyen is serious about getting SA Rugby back on track (mind you, on the field it has!), these comments by Fleck should be brushed away like flies. A person with total commitment to a task would ignore what's going on externally and worry about what he has to do.

"If Van Rooyen does get his way in this saga, it will only further damage the image of SA Rugby, with the image of its bosses being arrogant, eating sour grapes while the players teeth rattle. It's sad, but it only confirms the state of the game in South Africa bring run by clowns."
- Brian, Manu Samoa

"This is the first time I can honestly agree with Robbie Fleck. He has hit the nail on the head and Van Rooyen has taken the bait and shown how immature he is and the fact that he has got nothing better to do than, pursue some harmless sledging.

"If you have to look at what happens in the rest of the sport world -Football for example - and see what is said, this is nothing. Now once again he shows what idiots or should I quote Fleckie and say 'd***heads' are running rugby in South Africa.He is clearly proving what Robbie has said is true.

"If he had any sense or "head" he would of shrugged it off and belittled Robbie with words - not a hard feat for a suitable and intelligent President of Rugby. I am sure and he could have won some respect if he had a brain. Is he going to place everybody under arrest who insults him?????"
- Dick Head, South Africa

"I totally agree with Fleck, he [Brian van Rooyen] is the biggest racist that exists in our sport at the moment. Tell him to do his job and stop worrying about what people think about him. What an idiot, it is omly a matter of time till he stuffs something up, just a matter of time."
- Greg, South Africa

"If Van Rooyen is serious, then he is acting like a 'd***head' and Fleck is right. Pass this on to Van Rooyen maybe he would like to file suit in Miami."
- Simon Porteous, Miami

"Never mind Andy Robinson, at last someone has had the courage to say what everyone is thinking. Well done Robbie Fleck!!"
- James, Amsterdam

"Just when SA rugby seems to be on the long road to recovery, both from a reputational and playing perspective, along comes another gigantic, immature ego to peg us back two notches. I have never been a supporter of Fleck - I don't like his arrogance and complete lack of discipline - however he speaks the truth in this instance.

"Van Rooyen should just laugh it off - that he can't speaks volumes about his character. Maybe he should focus on the fact that the rugby world is in shock at the violence in Western Cape Rugby, but that might be too much to ask. He is happy to insult and slander anyone whom he has fallen out with, however cannot take a dose of his own sad medicine. Another Louis Luyt?"
- Jason, London

"Why does he care what former players say about him, it just shows that Robbie has hit a nerve. It must be tough knowing you are a d***head and are in a position for reasons other than ability. So, Mr van Rooyen get over the chip on your shoulder and accept the fact that you have had nothing to do with the Springboks recent success."
- Mark, UK

"I guess Fleckie is not going to be called up by Jake White any time soon. What he said is his views and everybody has a right to their own opinion. Fleckie just said what most people in rugby are to afraid to say. Good on him."
- A Schutte, South Africa

"I feel that Robbie is only saying in his own colourful way the exact sentiments felt by many of the South African rugby supporters."
-Alan, UK

"Brian should get off his high horse. Who does he think he is? Everyone is entitled to their opinions just as everyone has has the right to breathe. So get over it. Just because I agree with Robbie's comments does not mean they are right, but at least he is telling it as he sees it.

"Brian's response should be one of proving he does a great job with SA rugby and sort out this violence we have in local club rugby and putting us back on the map. Don't be offended, because people are commenting on how you are handling things at present. The Morne incident is another point in-case. So get off your behind Brian and start proving us wrong."
- Rob, London

"What can I say other than this is absolutely ridiculous! I think Van Rooyen should start focusing are more important things, like the problems in domestic club rugby, and not about how much attention he can get from the media."
- Tron, London

"And just to prove Fleck right, van Rooyen goes and acts like a d***head and gets legal proceedings underway. Any mature man would have slated Fleck in a different magazine."
- Craig, UK

"I have never been a fan of Fleck, but hell he got this one right! Love the Boswell comment and back him 100% Why do we accept the absolute prats that end up 'ruling' over our game? Screw him and all the horses he rode in on! Time the public told him where he stands! Never thought that I would ever say this, but GO FLECK!"
- Darryl, UK

"By threatening to sue Fleck, van Rooyen has proved that Flecks comments were probably pretty close to the truth. How can someone so immature be running SA Rugby."
- Graeme, UK