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Communications Manager - Tour Report
Thanks Brad can't believe you want to fire me after the great job I thought I did. I mean were we ever on time?
Guys as the ex communications manager it gives me great pleasure to sum up the tour and say a big thank you on behalf of all who participated.
Objective of Tour
1. To play two games of rugby and win both.
2. Coaching clinic to take rugby back to grass roots.
3. Make new friends and catch up with old ones
4. Sample Scotlands finest Brew
5. Play Golf and meet new people
6. Build the South African Rugby Legends Brand
7. Thanks To the sponsors
8. Man of the Tour
1. To play two games of rugby and win both
I must say most importantly this was accomplished and I was extremely nervous when our CEO gave us our pre match talk, "lose and there will be none of Scotland's finest brew and no Golf if we don't win". This would have made it really tough to achieve our objective, had we lost the day after we landed. Well done boys in making sure we could complete all objectives.
The competitiveness never dies in all of us. Even though Mac at one stage may have taken it one step too far when he shouted to the boys on the field "Keep your Structure" and a reply came from one of the wooden spoon members "What's Structure" Mac Replied "Hey mate just look at the score board"
Also to Mac Masina for thinking he was still playing for the Lions when the prop passed him and he thought he could catch him and pulled his calf muscle ( Not sure if that was part of a plan to get the best job on the tour next to Rob Louw and Rod Blew).
Tough to select a man of the match but "Rugby" was definitely the winner in the end! Bad luck Wooden Spoon Team and Scotland Legends. People like to be associated with winners and a big congratulations must go to all. Also to the Prof Andy Andrews for the excitement shown by having the privilege to walk onto Murry Field.
2. Coaching clinic to take rugby back to grass roots
Guys this was the only area that we failed on this tour and as communications manager I will take full responsibility as Scott Hastings said that he communicated to us that this was cancelled. Must say, not our job to make Scotland better and gave us opportunity to work on our "structure". Looked really good from the bus where management where sitting ( Did not want to fall ill before the tour started!). Although the clinic in St Andrews was outstanding and well attended.
3. Make new friends and catch up with old ones
Here we were outstanding!!!! These tours are hard I mean really hard. I must say I learnt never ever go to GYM on tour. Its funny you never stop learning. Monday Blues where experienced by all but lets rather look it as "we had a good time", so we can comfortably say we can tick this box.
4. Sample Scotland's finest Brew
Well a big congratulations must go to Dan and Andile for winning the down-down competition at the whiskey tasting. What a wonderful tour of the distillery - it was so interesting. Mac (Ian) the enthusiasm showed by yourself really showed what a great ambassador you are to our country.
Then for the bus trip to St Andrews well thanks to Garth here the tour really got going. Thanks to Gavin some small town off sales doubled their turn over for the month. After that trip I would really like to make a nomination that Garth Wright become the new communication manager. One, he is not good enough to make the team any more and two, you cant leave him behind. I think we can tick this box but might have to vote on it.
5. Play Golf and meet new people
Well done to Richard Allan for really playing out of his boots. Not only was he the best Kicking tee carrier, the golf organised was out the top draw. I mean really some guys I think got 7 games in 7 days - need I say more. The golf produced one Attie Van der Linde. I mean one round shooting 41 stableford points then shooting a 100 and something at almost 2 pounds a blow. Box ticked.
6. Build the South African Rugby Legends Brand
Our CEO clinched a Legacy Park from the British and Irish Lions. Guys on a serious note John's dream was to bring back fun into this wonderful game that was so good to all of us. More importantly it was to build it up from grass roots level where professionalism has left a void. To this end John I would really like to make a public statement I am sure on behalf of all of us: " My mate what you have achieved! I really do not believe that many thought you could pull this off! You have not only pulled it off, you have built a brand and more importantly have made an impact on many people lives. We all love this country and are quick to criticize but people like you get your hands dirty and make a difference. We salute you for the work you do, well done!" I am proud to be a member of SA Rugby legends.
Double tick in this box
7. Thanks to the sponsors
Sponsor make things happen. A big thank you to Mark Taylor from the eLan group for all that you do for the Legends. It was great for all to get to know you and to see what's happening in the property market. Michael and Pieter a big thank you to you and the Atlantic team, you guys were great. Roy thanks for the great kit and all the efforts that went into the supply and getting size etc? (Not easy). Will wear it with pride. Gavin the President Varejes people don't see what you do, we know its big. Big thanks. Prof Andy Andrews for the time advice and knowledge you provide a big thank you.
So guys if you are looking for a good investment in Mauritius or SA, contact Mark. When you have bought your possie contact @lantic so you can be in touch with the world through their internet service. Clothing - Roy is your boy. If you need fire to cook the food, wine, cell phone products, lease cost router, security and I am not sure what else call the President.
For public speaking, training and life skills, the Profs your guy. To the Girls Kim, Susan and Danielle your help was huge thanks for everything.
Howard the camera man keep promoting the brand the way you do (Mac was glad to find that you had a personality.) Andy surprised you have not been snapped up by a super 14 Franchise. Really guys, one way to repay sponsors is to get all your mates to support them and buy their products and you too. We need to support each other in these tough times!
Thanks to everyone who was part of a successful tour. Give yourselves a hand.
8. Man of the match
I am not qualified to comment on man of the tour on the rugby pitch but my selection for off the field is selected from the following.
1. Wayne Fyvie (Best Flank to Come out of Harrismith Primary)- Best communication manager ever.
2. Dan & Andile - Best combination on and off the field.
3. Rod Blew - for showing great jogging skills across field.
4. Piet Joubert - Best saying. "Can I have FREE (Three) hot dogs?"
5. Bennie Nortje - After a week of hard drinking doing wind sprints to get fit for the game.
6. Mac Masina - For skill of making sure he was on tour as a tourist not a player.
7. Brytie - Golf skills
8. Joel - old age falling asleep while waiting for Rod to finish drinking.
The winner of man of the tour Bennie Nortjie for going the hardest and still finding time to train - respect!
Wayne Fyvie