Reinach in a good space despite death threat — Mzwandile Stick

Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach is ‘in a good space’ despite receiving a death threat on social media after the Boks’ Rugby World Cup quarterfinal win over France over the past weekend, according to Bok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick.

Earlier this week SA Rugby director Rassie Erasmus revealed that Reinach had been a target of death threats, with the Bok community then rallying around the player in support.

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At the Boks’ pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon Stick was asked how Reinach was doing heading into their semifinal clash against England on Saturday night.

“I’ve seen him every day. He’s in a good space. He’s got his family around him,” said Stick.

“I must also give credit to the French (organisers) for the security around our hotels. With all the teams in the World Cup, the security was just another level. So I don’t think at the moment, there is something to worry about because we know for sure we are well protected in our camps. 

“It’s good to see our players also in a good space when they’ve got their families around. That’s one thing we as a coaching staff and management (try to do). We are finding a good balance in the sense of getting the human side first to be happy, you know.”

Disappointing act

Despite Stick admitting that the player and team were in a good state of mind ahead of the match, he still stated that it was disappointing to receive threats and the team management would try and protect the team and players as much as they possibly can.

“From our side we will make sure we protect each other as a team, our players, managers, everyone involved,” explained Stick.

“Once again, we don’t have a place for that in our game. You win some, you lose some. That’s part of the game. I am actually disappointed to have to send that message to a player.  We will keep doing everything in our powers to make our people proud at home.”