I had the pleasure of interviewing Bryan Habana at the Charles Glass Society yesterday evening … And when I say pleasure, I really mean it. The man was open, honest, and as a result, pretty damn entertaining …
Now of course, these interviews are closed to the media and not for public consumption, hence the players opening up and showing CGS members a side to them that the public do not often get to see … So I will not be publishing a full transcript of the interview …
But perhaps a sneaky answer or two from South Africa’s most capped wing and top try scorer …
Half a Tweet to describe Bryan Habana
“I don’t need half a Tweet, just three words … Proudly South African”
Best and worst roomie?
“Jacque Fourie and I have been roomies for ages and get on really well … Pedrie Wannenberg in my early days at the Bulls was … Well, interesting …”
Funniest guy to tour with?
“Jacque Fourie is a class guy to tour with … and seriously funny”
Worst thing about touring?
“Being away from family … When it’s minus 2 in Dunedin and been raining for 4 days in a row, there are better places to be”
You tell me your regular golf 4ball is BEE compliant … Who are your homies and where do you play?
“Yep, the previously disadvantaged amongst us are traditionally non-golfers, so had to turn down invites to golf days … I took them under my wing, and now the likes of Juan de Jongh, Gio Aplon and Burton Francis are regular golf partners …” Said with a big smile on his face in case this is misconstrued in any way …
Best player played with / against?
“John Smit has made the most incredible contribution to South African rugby, both as a skipper and player, and it was an honour to play with him. On the other side of the field, I think Richie McCaw has changed the way rugby is played”
Biggest tackle taken, and made?
“In 2006 we were playing the Cheetahs, and I can’t remember who the players was, but I put in a seriously big hit that turned the game … On the flip side I am pretty happy I did not play against Jonah Lomu, but Bakkies Botha has put me on my bum and left me a little stunned!”
Most outrageous ask for a signature ever?
“Did she really expect me to fit my signature on that little triangle thing at the back of her g-string?”
Bryan then went on to be fantastically open about his time with the Lions, Bulls, Boks (under both Jake and Div), having his dad as his manager, his slump in form, being booed in Bloem, playing at centre, new Bok coach Heyneke Meyer, player contracts, the blazer brigade, and being a role model in a country that includes rugby as a religion …
It was a good evening, and I often wish that the whole of South Africa got to see that side of the player – the human side that also bleeds red blood like the rest of us …
Head to the CGS Facebook page to find out more about the society …
Whats the point of an interview that people cant read??