Racist event overshadowed rugby career

Quinton Davids does not see life in shades of grey.

He will tell you the glass is half empty even when most lean towards a more optimistic appraisal.

It is perhaps this directness, the need to tell it as it is, that has helped etch his name in the collective consciousness as the guy who had the temerity to say that because of his skin colour, teammate Geo Cronje did not want to share a room with him.

It served to overshadow a career that showed initial promise but could never really escape the stigma that attached to both players in the aftermath of the Springboks' 2003 World Cup preparations.

So any regrets Quinton?

"None whatsoever. I don't think I'd change a thing."

The realisation of what could have been, perhaps what should have been, soon catches up with him.

"It robbed me of a few million rands," the former Western Province lock said about his and Cronje's expulsion from the team.

Although he has moved on and has made his peace with Cronje, Davids has an almost TRC-like idea about the way he wants to lift the veil on what went down between him and the bearded lock.

"I've thought of writing a book about it. In fact, I've thought of calling Geo and asking him whether we shouldn't write something together.

"We were both there. We know what happened. All I can say is, it was hell. It's not something I want to experience ever again.

"It got to the point where you couldn't even go out the door because reporters wanted to ask you more questions.

"I have forgiven Geo. God doesn't judge, so why should I. That whole episode broke me mentally. It caused my downfall as a player," the former Bok lock said.

Davids finished his professional career in 2007, having also made a quick career stop at Gloucester.

Now he is cherishing his time at home with wife Naomi and sons Luke, five, and Matthew, nine months. "She's has supported me so much. She's been great," he said of his wife.

"I toured quite a bit, now I love to be home. Luke loves rugby, especially watching it. I had to buy him the World Cup video the other day. Of course, I won't tell him what his interests should be," said Davids.

Fortunately, work doesn't involve travel nowadays. "Since February I've been doing the outsourcing for a labour recruitment company. I'd really like to coach, though," he said.

Last season Davids helped the University of the Western Cape to the last First Division title as forward coach. "The players show respect. I hope I can be an inspiration. I try to challenge them, not just to do well in rugby but also in their studies.

"I'm 35 and still playing. I'll take it year by year. As long as the body can take the punishment I'll continue to play. I've always said they would probably have to remove me with a wheelbarrow one day."

Coaching is where he sees his future. Unfortunately, doors don't just open. "It's difficult to catch a break. The first thing people ask you is which coaching level have you completed. Some coaches who are established now don't have that kind of paperwork.

"I don't know whether one's skin colour has anything to do with it but these things happen."

Davids harbours similar suspicions about his time with the Springboks, reminding that he played just nine Tests in four years.

He is, however, determined not to be defined by his past. "People's expectations of one don't go much beyond drug smuggling and using tik. I've sacrificed a lot for sport. At the same time it has given me so much.

"I want to give my children a better life. My childhood was tough and they deserve better. Nothing is more important than my family."