Groenkloof to Lahore: Bulls legend embarks on 'really exciting' adventure to coach Pakistan

When people hear Pakistan have a national rugby team, the revelation will invariably be met with shock or snickering.

To Gert Mulder, it's music to the ears. 

For men like him, coaching isn't just about trophies and the accompanying prestige.

They're wired differently, forsaking certain material comforts that many take for granted, to keep chasing noble if unfashionable assignments, almost like an entrepreneur worth billions living in the same three-bedroom house for 40 years.

Over a period spanning 35 years, Mulder has established himself as one of the coaching legends of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union's (BBRU) amateur circuit.

He's done it all - from being in charge of the Bulls' Under-13s to mentoring Tuks' Kiaat men's residence.

In between the 56-year-old has also been an influential administrator and is the BBRU's vice-president and chair of its coaches' association.

An offer to go coach Pakistan for a five-week period in their quest to impress in the upcoming Asian Cup Division II Tournament was simply too tempting.

Missionary

"It's very easy to explain to people why I took such an obscure job," Mulder, currently the director of rugby at Pretoria heavyweights Harlequins, tells Sport24.

"This gig is about nothing more than simply spreading the gospel so to speak. It's a mission that's forgotten in the professional era, but in the end all of us do this job for the same reason. We simply want to grow the game."

But how on earth does one even get in touch with the Pakistan Rugby Union? 

You get a recommendation from the head coach of that country's less-than-friendly neighbour, a legendary Springbok flyhalf.

"As you might know, Naas Botha is still heavily involved with Indian rugby. He heard through his contacts that Pakistan were