This is too quiet.
CJ's family own huge farm in SA. He goes on about it frequently and with his dad slowing down it was always his dream to continue the family business. He never shied away from that once. Jean Marie is South African also and with their parents getting older it is understandable they want their daughter to get to pend any time that she can with them both.
I understand, but i hope you also understand how this comes across.
Some, if not many here, have argued countless times about how Irish he was/felt. The fact remains he move to Ireland when he couldn't make it to the Springboks and he goes back to RSA when he stops playing rugby. Sugarcoat it the way you want. Family or not, farm or not.
It looks bad.
If i were to cherry-pick one example of how the system 'failed', it would be his. He couldn't give a flying turd about Ireland before he wasn't selected for RSA and the minute he stops playing he wants to go back? To be with is family and raise his kids? If that is not what 'home' stands for i don't know what is. Having a home, being eligible to play for that place and playing for another doesn't sound right. I know here is probably where we disagree.
'Would you rather sit out and play for no national team then? ' Yes, absolutely.
Let me be clear about this: this is not a jab at him, but at the system that allows him to do this.
"Dont hate the player, hate the game". I this aspect, i hate the game. Just using his example to elaborate on why.
I actually like him quite a bit. Despite his achievements i still think he is underrated. Monster of a player and every single time I've heard him talk he came across as a reasonable, passionate and humorous guy.
www.irishrugby.ie
