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Ex-Springbok Flip van der Merwe announces Biarritz exit in open letter
By Josh Raisey
Former South Africa lock and president of Biarritz Flip van der Merwe has resigned from any ownership and managerial responsibilities, saying he no longer aligns with “the values and direction of the club.”
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The 39-year-old joined forces with former players Shaun Hegarty and Marc Baget earlier this year to buy the Pro D2 club, but revealed in a statement on social media that “too many cooks spoil the broth.”
Biarritz currently sit in fourth place in France’s second division, just four points behind leaders Grenoble.
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The club are no longer the side they once were though, having won the Top 14 in 2006 and reached a Heineken Cup final as recently as 2010.
The 36-cap Springbok believes the Basque club is in a “better position” now after saving it from going under.
“The last seven months at the club have been an immense pleasure to see the Biarritz Olympique Rugby team develop into the force that it should be,” he wrote on social media. “It is life’s greatest fulfilment to give players and coaches the environment to express themselves and then seeing them taking pleasure and pride in what they do while meeting their goals, we are not just building a rugby club, but better men and women for society.
“Meeting like-minded supporters and sponsors who want their club to achieve at the highest level has warmed my heart and renewed my passion for rugby as a foreigner in the Basque country. I particularly want to thank Otium Capital and Mr Sterin for having faith in our project.
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“As I said in my letter to staff when I was replaced as General Director in July, I will always value the input and tenacity they have shown in difficult times, and I have not only made new colleagues but have made new friends. I reiterate my sentiments.
“As with life and rugby, too many cooks spoil the broth, and through certain strategic decisions made recently, I no longer align with the values and direction of the club. I am therefore stepping away from any ownership and managerial responsibilities and I am convinced that it will serve the club better.
“I wish Shaun and his team all the best, and I am sure the foundations laid will carry the team well into the future.
“I leave the club in a better position than what I have found it and for that I am proud.”
Merci. Thank You. Melisker. @BOPBweb pic.twitter.com/A5aUgpv9Sv
— Flip van der merwe (@flipvandermerwe) November 28, 2024
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