John Smit Pig Spit - appointed to SARLA board

Cape Town - Former Springbok captain John Smit has been appointed to the board of the South African Rugby Legends Association (SARLA). 

The news was confirmed by the organisation, which seeks to develop the game at grassroots level and ensure support for local legends, on Friday. 

Smit, since retiring in 2011, has continued to promote the game both locally and internationally with the integrity and passion that embodies the true spirit of rugby, reflecting the values of SARLA.

"John’s ongoing commitment to the promotion of rugby at a grassroots level and growing the game across the world proves his appointment to the SARLA board has significant synergy and the decision is truly a meaningful one," Gavin Varejes, president of SARLA, said on the organisation's website.

Smit was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame, whilst still active at a club level, in 2011, alongside other World Cup-winning captains.

"As athletes, when our careers comes to a close, we dream of leaving a legacy," Smit said, reflecting on his appointment.

"My rugby career has been truly rewarding, shaping me into the man I am today and it is my dream to give back in any way that I can."

There is something not reflected in the above story,   SARLA was initiated by Mark Taylor of the  eLan Property Developers company.  The ex-players on the Board are in fact also agents of the said company -  which have done major development near to Ballito and is busy with a major project inland of Blythedale Beach. 

So Smit is on the quiet making some good money through the eLan company.        

Sure he was and that has ben proven time and time again.   He engineered -

*    the firing of Plumtree - the best all round coach the Sharks had for years;

*    the appointment of Jake White and his threatened firing after a year on contract;

*    the appointment of Gold as coach; and

*    the contracting of has-been play mates from England to play for the Sharks.   

Not a Rugby CEO's arse I am afraid to say.