Basil Bey, the “legendary Bishops coach that advocated the 15-man tap-kick, no kicking, running rugby at all costs approach plus no numbers on the jerseys because each and every player was meant to fill every position rugby philosophy” has passed away.
Condolences to his family, his friends and the Bishops community for this sad loss.
Basil Bey joined Bishops in 1971 (45 years ago) and his main spell coaching the Bishops 1st XV was from 1972 to 1998.
A man I would have loved to meet as the stories about him that have done the rounds at the UCT Rugby Club and the Southern Suburbs as a whole have certainly made me feel like I knew him.
Phumla ngoxolo mhlekazi, uyidlalile indima yakho
http://rugby365.com/countries/south-africa/75993-basil-bey-has-died
This is quite a good piece written by Paul Dobson. I hope you don’t mind Beet
My first “encounter” with Mr Bey was around 2003 / 2004 while doing a rugby coaching course. He presented the section “counter attack” (in which he was a master!). One thing that I remember well of the time listening to him, was that you simply couldn’t coach certain individuals “into” a game plan. He used Herschelle Gibbs as an example, who made the correct on field decision 99% of the time. If Gibbs had to play under instruction it would have been a travesty.
In the beginning of last year I’ve met him in the Bishops’ clubhouse after a game between Bishops and Paarl-Gim (incidentally one of the best SBR games I have ever seen).
During our brief conversation it struck me how humble he was.
What a sad loss. I know he’s had cancer for a while. RIP you legend!!
Condolences to all concerned
Sad news, RIP! Condolences to his family, friends and the Bishops community.
Had the privilege to spend some time in his and Paul Dobson’s company in 2011 in the Bishops clubhouse after a Bishops vs Paarl Boys match. Kept quiet and listened and learned a lot about SBR. Along with Skonk Nicholson probably the two most legendary schoolboy coaches ever in SA.
A Legend in his own time!. RIP Mr Bey!..May you be watching running rugby for the rest of time!