Title: Politically Incorrect
Subtitle: The Autobiography
Author: Peter de Villiers; Gavin Rich
Publisher: Randomhouse Struik
Imprint: Zebra Press
Cape Town, South Africa 2012
ISBN 9781770224216 / ISBN 978-1-77022-421-6
Softcover, 15 x 23 cm, 304 pages, several colour photographs
Peter de Villiers's battle to be accepted and respected by the rugby fraternity started from the moment his appointment was announced, when his new boss admitted that De Villiers had got the job for reasons other than only rugby'. In his four years as Bok coach, De Villiers experienced huge successes, a series win over the British & Irish Lions and a Tri Nations trophy, but he also suffered the ignominy of coming last in the Tri Nations and seeing his World Cup dream shattered by the controversial officiating of referee Bryce Lawrence. In addition, his outspoken nature and colourful application of the metaphor alternately amused and horrified South African rugby fans, and his close relationship with his senior players begged the question: Who was coaching whom?
Now, in Politically Incorrect: The Autobiography, De Villiers answers this question and addresses many more: the obstacles he had to overcome to progress from the dusty streets of Paarl as a rugby-mad youngster to the highest job in South African rugby; why his employers tried to manipulate him but failed; why he stuck with John Smit as captain in the 2011 Rugby World Cup; what really happened behind the scenes during the so-called sex-tape scandal; and where his passion for rugby will lead him next. This is De Villiers's personal account of a life and career that is as candid, honest and controversial as the man himself.