By Morris Gilbert

In my almost three decades as a specialist rugby writer at the daily newspaper Beeld I have interviewed hundreds of people, some very influential and well-known, others not.

Most of the interviews were entertaining, some downright awful, and then there were those that I will always cherish because of the privilege I had to meet extraordinary individuals of whom many later became my friends.

It has been a while since I again felt this ‘here is someone very special’, my immediate impression of the BBRU’s newly appointed Manager of Training and Education, Johan Vermeulen.

From the outset of our interview, I was impressed by Johan’s hospitality, humility, honesty, and the passion, excitement, and expectations he talked about rugby and his new venture a the BBRU.

Here is a ‘we’ person, not an ‘I’ one as he immediately points out that he has not been appointed to reinvent the wheel or undo everything his predecessors has established.

“I see the biggest challenge in my new job as one of listening, learning, and implementing.” These are telling words, saying all about Johan’s open-headed attitude to accommodate advice, new ideas, and change.

In his case, teamwork will make the dream work, and up to Johan to get the current role players to buy into his vision: “If what we do is good, it must be done better. If what we do is better, then it must be upscaled to the best. And once we get to ‘the best’ we must look for new challenges in previously unchartered terrain. Our work can never be done because comfort zones make you complacent.”

It does not come as a surprise then that BBRU Vice-President Gert Mulder, Chairman of the Blue Bulls Rugby Coaching Association, refers to Johan as ‘the perfect fit’.

“We are grateful to get someone of Johan’s caliber on board as the new Training & Education Manager at the BBRU. Johan is not only a proficient administrator but also a class person.

“His passion for rugby and the development of young talent will provide a strong foundation for the future. I believe Johan will be able to live out his passion for rugby in his new job and quickly make his mark. I look forward to working with him and he has our full support,” said Mulder.

PICTURE: BBRCA Chairperson Gert Mulder, welcomes Johan Vermeulen