Heyneke Meyer back to the Bulls?

The Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Limited would love to have Heyneke Meyer back in the Bull kraal - and they've issued a statement to that effect.

In fact, talks with Meyer about his future at the Blue Bulls have been conducted in the period leading up to his application for the position as national rugby coach, according to the statement.

And although it would be conjecture at a time where little is being said and Meyer is not available for comment, there has for some time been speculation that former Bulls coach Meyer would be employed as a director of coaching by the Blue Bulls, should he lose out on the Springbok coaching job.

Nothing formal in this regard has, however, been said - not even now after he was overlooked by the President's Council, who opted for Peter de Villiers as Jake White's successor.

That the Blue Bulls Company (BBC) would dearly love to have Meyer back should not come as news to the most successful coach the Blue Bulls/Bulls have had after the discussions the BBC have had with him.

The BBC statement, issued on Wednesday night, reads as follows:

"The Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd was in various discussions with Heyneke Meyer in the period leading up to his application for the position as Springbok coach.

"His engagement with the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd came to an end and he is currently not contracted by the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd.

"Consequently Frans Ludeke was appointed as the head coach of the Vodacom Bulls and the Blue Bulls after Meyer informed the Board that he is not prepared to continue as the Vodacom Bulls Super 14 coach in 2008.

"However, the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd has always had an extremely high regard for Meyer's proven abilities with the Vodacom Bulls and Blue Bulls, and should he indicate his willingness to take part in any future structures of the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd, such a request will be considered by the Board." The ball is thus in Meyer's court - and for the sake of the Bulls and South Africa, it must be hoped that this successful coach can be retained before he starts contemplating overseas offers. It is known he rejected some lucrative offers as he pursued the Springbok appointment.