Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers says silence from Eastern Province Rugby bosses over his future has influenced his decision to take up a career in politics.

De Villiers was this past Sunday announced as the Good Party’s mayoral candidate for the Drakenstein municipality in the local government elections in November.

“Rugby helped me make this decision,” De Villiers said. “Since the passing of Andre Rademan, they [EP Rugby] have not spoken to me about my contract at the union.

“I cannot sit around and wait, only for them to tell me at the 11th hour that I don’t have a job anymore.

“Something else has come across my path recently and I accepted the opportunity. So, I’m done with rugby for now.”

De Villiers added that he is excited about this new career path he is set to explore.

“The experience I gained from my time in rugby will help me. When I was appointed Springbok coach, it was also something new for me. But I surrounded myself with helpful people. I learn through listening to others because I want to help people.

“As a coach, maybe I fought too much for my players and that made me unpopular among administrators.

“I’ll still be in Gqeberha for a while and I want to chat with EP Rugby bosses before I pack up and start this new challenge in my life.

“My passion for rugby had for years impacted my decision-making, which allowed people to take advantage of me. Now I want to help change and improve people’s lives.”

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