Griquas win Currie Cup for first time in 55 years: 'It's unbelievable!' - Arni van Rooyen, CEO

947's Robert Marawa speaks to Arni van Rooyen, CEO of the Griquas.

Listen below: 

"... this is by far the biggest achievement in my career. For the union I am privileged to lead, it's also the biggest achievement thus far. We are all really happy. We can't really believe it, but it's true... It's unbelievable."

- Arni van Rooyen, CEO - Griquas

The Lions and their supporters thought they had finally got their hands on the coveted trophy when replacement fly-half Lubabalo Dobela landed a penalty goal with a minute left on the clock, putting them 25-24 ahead after the visitors took the lead a few minutes earlier with their third try.

Van Rooyen describes the moment...

"I walked down from the President's Box and when I got down to the field, there was a minute left... it was magic... at one point in time, we were losing and everyone thought we were losing, the Lions were celebrating and the next moment, it was elation as we won the Currie Cup..."

- Arni van Rooyen, CEO - Griquas

Experienced fly-half George Whitehead wrote his name in the Carling Currie Cup history books when he kicked the winning points for the Griquas.

Van Rooyen says it was at this time that he knew that it was 'the Griquas' game' because Whitehead doesn't miss. 

"I knew it... I didn't even worry once... it didn't go through my head that he could miss, he's as cool as you get. I saw him hundreds of times slotting those penalties. I knew it was the Griquas game... it was unbelievable..."

- Arni van Rooyen, CEO - Griquas

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