Springbok and soon-to-be-former Blue Bulls scrumhalf Joost van der Westhuizen has blamed new coach Heyneke Meyer for the crises the team find themselves in.

Van der Westhuizen launched a scathing attack on his former Super 12 coach and certain Bulls executives, saying they have no loyalty and have lost the trust of the players. He emphasised his decision to leave the Blue Bulls, presumably for the Pumas, had nothing to do with the drastic pay cuts, but rather with principles.

"It's ironic. A few months back, Heyneke told me the senior Bok players at the Bulls would form the core of his game plan," Van der Westhuizen told The Mercury. "But as soon as Phil Pretorius was announced as Super 12 coach, then we were suddenly out of his plans. I am not blaming anyone, but people can make their own assumptions. I am just saying what happened."

"I can understand that he doesn't want to interfere with the (Blue Bulls') season, but it has been four months now and we as players have not heard one word from Heyneke."

He added he had lost faith with the executives when they originally offered him a 40 per cent pay cut, but when the contracts had to be signed, it had increased to 55 per cent. "It was ridiculous. They talk about loyalty, but then change the rules. Perhaps when the players all leave, then they will realise the mistakes that they have made."

Van der Westhuizen said his decision to leave the Blue Bulls after nine years was one of the hardest in his life, but he was left with no choice. "It was a terrible decision to make, because for nine years I have played here and they looked after me. However, the way we have been treated this year shows that loyalty means nothing.

"I was prepared to take the cut, but the extra 15 per cent cut came out of nowhere. They gave me a clear message that loyalty means nothing. I got that message and I now have to look after myself.

"It's not about the money, but the principle. They keep players hanging on a string while they negotiate with others and, if they cannot get those players from outside, they come back to us. I just want to thank the supporters. In my heart I'll stay a Blue Bull, but at this stage it's a business decision."