DR. RASSIE ERASMUS DELIVERS IMPACTFUL SPEECH AT NWU-PUKKE

Abygail Smit

@Abysmit06

 

Monday 24th of February marked a memorable day for North-West University (NWU). Famous Springbok Captain, Siya Kolisi, and Springbok coach, Dr. Rassie Erasmus, visited the Potchefstroom campus for the official inauguration of the Siya Kolisi residence, previously named Dennedorp.

 

Not only did Kolisi and Erasmus visit the hostel, but Erasmus also delivered an inspiring speech titled “From the sidelines to the spotlight”. Dr. Rassie Erasmus spoke about the key principles and processes needed to build a successful rugby team.

 

With the FNB Varsity Cup that started on the 17th of February, Erasmus’s insights were well received and helpful towards the development of the NWU Eagles. Erasmus thoroughly explained that a World Cup-winning team has many different aspects that make them successful. Passion, hard work, commitment, team identity, and harmony are only a few elements that Erasmus spoke about. “Every day is an opportunity to improve. No one should go home thinking, ‘I’ve done enough.’ Instead, we should always aim to be better,” Erasmus advised. 

 

Starting his career as a rugby player, Erasmus has climbed the ladder of success towards the high position he fills now. The Springbok coach also spoke about the country’s beloved Springbok’s road to success. Erasmus explained that there are seven steps for a successful, winning team:

 

It All Starts With Getting The Right People:

Selecting people with the right mindset, talents and willingness to grow is crucial for the development of a good team. 

 

Building Teamwork And Unity:

Ensuring that the chosen people all work together towards a common goal.

 

Lead With Example:

Setting the standard will ensure that your peers respect and follow you as a leader. 

 

Demanding Maximum Effort:

Doing this during practices and during games can lead to improvement, and improvement leads to success. 

 

Measure Effort, Not Just Results:

Furthermore, Erasmus explained that improvement is an ongoing process. Improvement can also be the amount of effort each player produces, so keep an eye on that.

 

Evolving And Adapting:

The game of rugby is ever-changing and adapting quickly, as a team, on and off the field can lead your team to success. 

 

Role Of A Coach:

Erasmus explained the role of a coach as collective, technical and tactical, as it prepares players for competitions. He even emphasised that coaching does not stand alone in high performance environments. Coaches need to use all cultures, all brains, and all knowledge to succeed or they would be constantly catching up.

 

Each of the steps should be revisited and refined in order to grow. A complacent team will not reach success. However, a team that adapts, learns and grows is already paving its road to success. Dr. Rassie Erasmus has undoubtedly changed the way we view rugby. His speech at NWU-Pukke has not only gotten our sport coaches thinking differently but also reminded each of us about the love and respect we all share for sport. 

 

Edited by Isabel Burgers