Moving to Blythedale would be like a dream come true for Warren Whiteley

Moving back to the coast is a long-term dream that keeps Warren Whiteley motivated and working as hard as he does. Devoted to his young family, the lanky No 8, grew up playing on the beach and looks forward to his kids enjoying the same sense of wide-open spaces he had when he was young.

Whiteley joins the eLan Property Group as a Brand Ambassador for Blythedale Coastal Estate. “It’s a natural fit for me,” he says. “I love Blythdale and spending time here has really brought home the beauty of the Estate and the lifestyle it enables.”

For the eLan team, Warren represents the values associated with the development. “We are creating a vibrant community where families can pursue an outdoor, active lifestyle and where sport and education are priorities,” says eLan Property Group CEO, Mark Taylor. “Although he’s such a competitive sportsman, Warren is also an exceptional role model – as a level-headed leader who strives to get the most out of his team and himself.”

On Rugby

At 30, Whiteley hopes to play a few more good years in the jersey but is fully aware that his body will have the last say. “I don’t want to play until my body falls apart,” he says. “But I’d love to stay involved with the game and give back through coaching.”

Playing since the age of 6, he just loves the game. “Rugby, as a team sport, has taught me so much about life, relationships, different environments and cultures, and how to work towards a goal and purpose.”

There’s no doubt that South African rugby is facing some obstacles right now and, as a member of the players association, he is fully aware of the state of the union.

“There’s so much talent in the country, it’s just a matter of creating an environment and system where that can flourish,” he says. “We need stability and consistency to build and improve. Distractions are undermining the guys who’ve got the success of the sport at heart.”

Whiteley is currently in Japan fulfilling the second year of his contract and is hoping to have recovered fully from the groin injury which has kept him off the field for months. “It’s been frustrating but now I’ve had a sportsman’s groin operation. I’ve been patient, given it time to heal and the rehab is going well so all we can hope for is progress.”

On leadership

An inspiring leader, as Lions and Springbok Captain, Warren has an apparent influence on the team’s performance on the field. It’s a role he appreciates.  “I love the responsibility,” he says. “Making decisions under pressure, the analysis and strategy and getting the most out of the team.”

As demonstrated by The Story of the Lions, building a winning team goes way beyond the pitch and doesn’t happen overnight.

“After three consecutive years of losing, we were at an all-time low when relegation hit at the end of 2012. Those that could, left and the rest of us faced a turning point.

“For me, it was when Johan Ackerman took over as coach and proclaimed: ‘We will never be laughed at again.’ We shifted our focus from desperately trying to win (or not lose) to a purpose-driven culture.

“We committed to inspiring people on and off the field, to play great rugby, work hard and have fun. Processes were put in place and slowly the culture changed to one in which the team thrives.”

Winning was the by-product of playing purpose-driven, inspired rugby and the Lions reached two Super Rugby finals, filled Ellis Park and produced a new crop of hungry young Springboks.

On Blythedale

“I just love the tranquillity and sense of space on the Estate,” Warren says. “It reminds me of many happy hours spent on the Bluff’s beautiful beaches during my own childhood.”

Being part of something right from the beginning is an exciting prospect for Warren: “It’s so cool. I can imagine over the next few years – we will be able to see everything going up”.

“When you’re there, you just get blown away.”

Green-living is also an important feature of the estate. “Living off the grid in terms of sustainability appeals to me. I think it’s important to take responsibility for what you’re using, especially water and energy, and what waste your lifestyle generates, as well as where that’s going.”

As a parent, Warren hopes to emulate the encouraging environment in which he grew up. “My folks encouraged me to try everything – even if I sucked at it. They taught me that it’s OK to fail. I tried everything, from Toastmasters to waterpolo, drama and athletics. That’s how I’d like my kids to grow up – without pressure – to find and pursue their own passions.”