A word from Greg James, founder of the JAG Foundation

It my pleasure to write to you as we go into 2009. This year is a very exciting year for South Africa on the sporting front. We have the British and Irish Lions touring South Africa in June and July 2009. The last time that we played them you will recall that we lost 2 -1. It was won by Jeremy Guscott with drop goal in the dying minutes in the second test in Durban.

This year should be different as we have a strong squad that have spent many seasons together and they all understand each others strengths and weaknesses and they operate effectively as a team. This is our major strength.A key asset that all teams require is an understanding of each others strength’s and weaknesses. Once you all understand and enhance this concept of team work, you results will be better, both on and off the field. This was one of the key factors of the Proteas victory against the Australians in Australia. Each player knew their strengths and weaknesses and also that of their team members. The same is valid for the team talk that John Smit gave to his team at Twickenam in 2008.

Let us all embrace the ethos team work and respect for all our team mates. Enjoy the season and most all have fun.

- Greg James, Founder of the JAG Foundation