GEORGE – “The SWD Eagles are set to soar.”
That was the message of SWD Eagles CEO Johan Prinsloo at a media launch of the “new” Eagles at Lodge on the Lake in Wilderness on Friday 22 Junie 2012.
“We are entering an exciting new era with new strategies and structures in place. We have committed coaches and our players are keen to do well,” said Prinsloo, former SARU CEO, on the eve of the Currie Cup Series, which starts in a week’s time.
“If one wants to be professional, you must strive to be the best you can be, and the SWD Eagles have the potential to be the best rural union.”
Although the union experienced some turmoil in the past, it found stability under new president Hennie Baartman and the team that have been assembled to take the Union to the next level.
Develop human capital
“We have a strong management team who are determined to set the way towards stability and the development of our human capital, including players and coaches.
“We are satisfied with the outcome of the Vodacom Series, during which we made use of club players, who proved themselves worthy and some will get a chance to play during the Currie Cup.
“We are not a rich Union, but we have a lot of potential in our clubs. SWD Eagles have a rich history of success, and despite our lack of money to buy players, but we can grow our own.”
He said in future it would not be so easy for big unions with fat chequebooks to buy young stars at school level. “SA Rugby has made a new rule that negotiations for the services of a young player must be directed through a union.
New kit
The SWD Eagles new kit was introduced at the launch. The new kit includes two newly designed, modern jerseys for home and away games. Captain Wilhelm Koch and deputy captain Hans van Dyk were at the launch to show off the new kit.
“The Union also acquired the services of a professional marketing team developing brand equity, driving advertising revenue, and ensuring much valued publicity and media coverage for the Eagles brand.”
“We want the public to see the results of our new approach on the field. We want them to actively take ownership or our team and support them,” said Prinsloo.
“We belong to the people of the Southern Cape and need them to support us through thick and thin.”
The 2012 Eagles fan wear, as well as match day tickets, will be available online for the first time through the new SWD Eagles Rugby website, which will be launched on 28 June.
Visit our website www.swdeagles.co.za for more information on the team, upcoming fixtures and latest news, of visit our Facebook page at SWD Eagles.
The Currie Cup series starts on Friday 29 June when the SWD Eagles play Border at Outeniqua Park at19:00. Tickets cost R10 to R30 and will be available at Computicket or at the gate.
