New SWD Eagles coach Heyneke Meyer believes he can build a team capable of competing with South Africa’s best.
The 58-year-old, who first made his name in George before going on to coach the Bulls, Springboks, Leicester Tigers, Stade Français and Houston SaberCats, has returned to where it all began – and he’s thinking big.
“The job is bigger than just being a head coach,” Meyer told Netwerk24. “What makes it attractive to me is that it involves building the entire structure. My overarching plan is to make a difference in different areas and be involved at every level from junior up. Coaching is only 50% of it – I’ve always loved building structures.”
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Meyer, who coached the Bulls to Super Rugby glory in 2007 and guided the Springboks to third at the 2015 World Cup, says his return to the Southern Cape is about long-term transformation rather than quick fixes.
“SWD were at the bottom before we took them to the Currie Cup semi-finals [in 1999],” he said. “The Bulls were 12th in Super Rugby and we built them up. Everyone laughed when I said I wanted to coach the Springboks one day, but I got there because I dream big and don’t take no for an answer.”
His mantra for the new project is clear: “The sky is the limit.”
“But for me, the limit is not there, because that’s where eagles fight,” Meyer said. “I want to build something that will allow us to compete with the best over time. I’m already talking to sponsors and investors and have met with the municipality about how we can renovate the stadium.”
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According to Rapport, UXi Sport is being lined up as an equity partner ready to inject significant funding into the union.
Meyer hopes private investment, combined with George’s growth, can reignite local support.
“I see the place developing and people flocking in. They are hungry for rugby,” he said. “If this team gets investment and proven players, it could attract crowds of 20,000.”
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