John O'Sullivantalks to the former Springbok and Leinster new recruit Ollie le Roux
Ollie le Roux's performance on his debut in last Friday night's Magners Celtic League game with Ulster at Ravenhill should have dispelled any lingering scepticism with regard to the wisdom of signing the 34-year-old former South African international prop. He produced a towering performance, deservedly won the match accolade and in doing so confirmed to both supporters and team-mates alike that his decision to come to Ireland is not a mere pension-feathering finale to an illustrious career.
Capped 54 times by the Springboks, the last of which was in 2002, there was no doubting his pedigree just a question mark about whether his best days were behind him. Le Roux admitted: "I knew that coming over here there is a lot of pressure on me. For me to start like that, hopefully it's a standard that I have set and (will) build up from, earning more respect.
"(I want to) prove to the people that being asked to come here was a good decision (on Leinster's part). There's a lot of pressure not to be seen to be as over the hill or that you've come for the pay package. I am very passionate about my rugby. I want to prove I am a good rugby player and that I'll be a good asset to the Leinster rugby team."
The initial indications are he will fulfil that remit. Dublin has offered something of a culture shock to someone accustomed to the open veldts of the Orange Free State. The South African laughs when recounting the story about already taking his children to the countryside so they could see sheep and horses. He's completely fazed by the traffic in the city, offering the self-deprecating observation: "The roads are crazy. I have got to get GPS because I don't understand your road system at all. I know where two shopping centres are (now) and I have been to the Japanese Gardens so I have a lot of adventures to explore.
"You feel a bit isolated (initially) as a foreigner here (as) you don't have any friends or family, other than your team-mates. That requires a bit of adaptation. My wife's gone shopping today so she'll be happy. My kids are used to more open spaces. It's an adventure. It's an incredible opportunity for me to try something else and experience your culture."
Le Roux's decision to accept Leinster's approach was a relatively quick process. "I asked who's playing (for Leinster) and they said Brian O'Driscoll and the guys. I said, 'you speak to my wife' and she agreed. Then it was a case of just give me a house and a car. I made it (the decision) in two days. I have played with Shane (Horgan) and Brian (O'Driscoll) and Mal (O'Kelly) for the Barbarians and when I heard they were at Leinster I said I would definitely come.
"The whole set-up with the gym and everything is incredible: it's right up there with the best I have seen. The players you got here, so many would fit into a Super 14 team, look so at home and even be great players (at that level).
"To understand the way the coaching works is slightly different to the structure back home. We have more of a team focus on structure so for me that has been quite strange to come to a system where you have a lot more freedom. It's interesting to go from a side back home that was always the underdog to arrive here and be the big province, the guys with all the money who everyone is gunning for."
Mention of the Cheetahs reminds le Roux that last Saturday he missed out on winning a third successive Currie Cup with them. He'd asked Leinster coach Michael Cheika if it would be possible to remain until after the final but due to registration issues that couldn't be accommodated.
He has strong views on the Rugby World Cup and while delighted at his native country's success in spite of the politics and interference Jake White experienced, he's not a fan of the competition. "For me the World Cup is very nice for PR and marketing but to call yourself world champions without playing France, New Zealand or Australia, three of the top four sides doesn't make sense. I think it is a bit of a marketing gimmick. I really enjoy a five-Test series, like the Lions, where they guys go to it."
Playing in the Heineken European Cup appeals to his palate as does the prospect of measuring himself against sides like Toulouse and the Leicester Tigers. If Leinster are to emerge from that pool then Le Roux's 20-stone frame is likely to be a cornerstone of that success.
