Coach Allister Coetzee asked new Springbok captain Warren Whiteley to first have a chat to his wife, Felicity, before agreeing to take on one of the most difficult jobs in South African sport.
Mrs. Whiteley's was just as shocked as her husband about the offer to lead the Springboks in the upcoming Test series against France, but the Lions' captain and his wife were quite emphatic in their response to the Bok boss.
"I only found out on Monday night, when I had my usual one-on-one talk with Coach Allister," said Whiteley.
"We had a longer than usual chat, and we talked about a lot of things, not just rugby. I was quite surprised and he told me to go and discuss it with my family and make a decision. I went home and discussed it with my wife, Felicity, who was shocked really, but also very proud."
The 29-year-old Whiteley has led the Johannesburg-based Super Rugby side in more than 50 matches and has had success with the team over the past few seasons. He played for the Sharks and Eastern Province before moving to Johannesburg in 2010.
"I am so grateful for the opportunity and will embrace this huge challenge," said Whiteley. "I know what the team and the Springbok brand means for our country and its people, and to be appointed as captain is a real honour and a privilege."
Whiteley, a member of the Commonwealth Games gold-medal winning Blitzbok squad in 2014, said he was fortunate to be able to call on a strong group of leaders within the Springbok squad, such as Duane Vermeulen, Tendai 'Beast' Mtawarira, Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi and Teboho 'Oupa' Mohoje.
"They are all proven and respected leaders at their clubs and franchise teams, and it is very comforting for me as a leader to be able to call on the advice of such players," he said.
"I've always enjoyed decision-making roles, but the Springbok captaincy is a completely different challenge. I am excited about the job and I shall embrace the responsibility and huge challenge."
Brief factfile:
Full name: Warren Roger Whiteley
Born: 18 September, 1987 in Durban
Education: Glenwood High School (Durban) and the Sharks Academy
Springbok number: 863
Test debut: 6 September 2014 vs. Australia in Perth
Total Tests: 15 (three tries)
Tour matches: 1
Total Springbok matches: 16
Other: Springbok Sevens (2012-14)