Saru mum on Coetzee future, but changes may come after 2016 failure

THE South African Rugby Union yesterday neither backed nor sacked Springbok rugby coach Allister Coetzee after he oversaw one of the worst seasons in South African Rugby history last year.

Instead, a terse statement yesterday from the governing body revealed that in a week’s time it would announce the outcome of its coaching review process. Intriguingly, Union president, Mark Alexander, said that a number of decisions had been taken following discussion of the report into the 2016 season.

There was no confirmation that Coetzee would remain as head coach after a season that saw the Boks suffer calamitous defeats, including a first-ever loss to Italy. It would appear that the alleged absence of a first-year clause governing performance in Coetzee’s fouryear-contract may save his bacon at this stage.

Nevertheless, speculation continues that Saru are in the hunt for a new head coach and that top of the list is Munster coach Rassie Erasmus, who would become available for the position in late May when the Dublin team’s Heinekin Cup commitments would be concluded.

There has also been talk of a possible recall for former Bok coach Jake White. The Montpellier coach has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave for a national job. However, it is unlikely that Saru will return to White.

“We have reviewed all aspects of 2016’s performance,” said Alexander. “We have spoken to the players as well as the coach and critically reviewed the season.

“In the mean time, I would ask our supporters to have a little more patience and understand that certain conversations need to take place before formal announcements can be made,” Alexander concluded.

In other words, it would seem that Saru are not satisfied with the 2016 performances and are looking to make changes that will regain the support and confidence of increasingly impatient supporters and stakeholders.