Rugby Expo

Robbie Fleck - EXPOsed

11 Nov 2008

Expo ambassador Robbie Fleck is in the hot-seat this week to answer questions about his rugby career. The former Springbok centre, capped 31 times, talks about his current business and coaching interests and much more…

Who was the toughest opponent you played against?

There were a couple in my day but I can comfortably say that Tim Horan gave me the most problems. Tim was the complete footballer with all the attributes to make a world class centre. Tim had genuine pace, great acceleration, could step off both feet, beautiful hands but more importantly a rugby intellect beyond his peers. Tim visualised and created things which others couldn’t.

What was the best game you ever played in?

Two games come to mind. The World Cup 99 Semi Final loss to Australia at Twickenham with the extra time drop goal by Larkham and the victory Test against New Zealand at Ellis Park in 2000 when the Boks were down and out.

One thing you would change about rugby…

I would like to see the reintroduction of "Tours" to a specific country like they had in the old days. All I ever wanted to do as a Springbok was to tour New Zealand for 3 months, play a 5 test match series with a couple of mid week games to make it even tougher. Those were the days where two nations really did show their patriotism. We can only hope and dream with the hectic rugby schedule these days.

Lions series prediction…

I believe if the Lions squad give themselves enough time to prepare before they head over to SA, they have a real chance of replicating what their predecessors achieved in 97.

However I believe SA rugby is strong at the moment and will be difficult to beat at home; especially after the mauling of 96 where the country and the Springbok are still licking their wounds.

Springboks to win, there’s too much at stake.

What are you doing these days?

Currently Executive Director for a private equity firm by the name of JAG Investment Group

From a rugby perspective, Im currently the assistant coach for the University of Cape Town, backline coach for the SA Sudents and consultant to SAu20.

Lastly, Im a Director of Cape Town Tens, an international tens tournament that’s taking place in Cape Town in Feb next year.

How do you think Rugby Expo will benefit the game?

In many ways. Apart from spreading the gospel of rugby throughout the globe I believe the Expo will benefit rugby more so from a commercial sense. Commercially, rugby is still seen playing second fiddle to the likes of football but this will change as the game grows and as does Rugby Expo. Bringing the right people together for a common purpose can only benefit the game in the long run.

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