Legendary rugby coach’s book a valuable Christmas gift to start 2021 on a positive note

We live in a time in which there are hopelessly too many opinions and schools of thought, while the values, principles and abilities of true prophets at every level of society are all too easily made cheap by the public view.

The arrival of the internet, and especially the dizzying growth and influence of social media, is tearing apart core values in society, giving every Tom, Dick and Harry the chance to crow on their own little dunghill, without being at all grounded in the subject on which they wish to give their opinion.

It is against this background that a true pioneer in one of South Africa’s most beloved pastimes – rugby – had the following answer in an interview with Rekord years ago to describe the extent of his own situation: “My friend, believe me today, perceptions rule the world…”

These words of his may also be the best way to describe Heyneke Meyer’s incalculable influence on the development of modern rugby in the professional era in South Africa. When it comes to an opinion on Meyer’s influence, knowledge and ability about our beloved sport, the mindset of thousands of rugby fans is actually shaped by perceptions and stories hatched through bar talks, opinions around braai fires and in conversations between quasi-experts.

The true Heyneke Meyer and his unique way of thinking are, however, illustrated by the new book that has appeared from his pen. Just as he undertook 13 years ago – shortly after becoming the first South African to coach a team to become SuperRugby champion – he did not write his life story in the form of an autobiography like all the rest, but he rather shares his thoughts, ideas and wisdoms about leadership and life.

Meyer’s book, titled “7 – my notes on leadership and life” is probably one of the most valuable Christmas gifts that can end up in anyone’s Christmas stocking this year.

Whether it’s the schoolboy/girl looking for guidance on their future and choices, or the young aspiring sports coach or even the prospective entrepreneur and businessman looking for a framework about thorough planning on the road to success – this book contains brilliant life lessons and advice by a man who himself was properly grounded by the mill of life, while being able to apply the lessons of extreme lows to also achieve particular success.

Meyer shares his ideas on seven important topics, but the way he does this makes the book a pleasurable and captivating reading experience. This could easily have been another boring academic-like lecture on paper, but Meyer’s ability to weave stories, anecdotes and examples from his own rugby experiences with the life lessons makes it something special and fascinating reading material.

In the process, the reader gets first-hand information about the intense environment of professional sports, while the author shares scenarios with him, without ever being unnecessarily negative or using the book as a way to attack his enemies, as is often the case with an ordinary autobiography.

After a negative year like 2020 with all its strange events, this book by Meyer is probably the best medicine for anyone who needs courage and new energy for the future. In the process, it will hopefully also change perceptions about a true prophet who has never been properly valued by his own people.

One can only hope that one day we will still get a thorough and complete autobiography from Heyneke Meyer. The full story of this man, who throughout his career as a rugby coach and administrator has always been willing to take responsibility for many things for which he was definitely not responsible, should certainly be told. If only for the sake of complete and credible historiography in the future.

“7 – My notes on leadership and life” by Heyneke Meyer is available at any good bookstore. For inquiries about the distribution, contact Juanita da Matta at Invictus Sport & Entertainment on email at juanita@invictusintrnational.co.za