De Bruin very comfortable with Bok job

Rudolph Jacobs

Lions coach Swys de Bruin has dispelled any concerns of a conflict of interests because of his future involvement with the Springboks.

De Bruin, who is currently on a Super Rugby tour with the Lions in Australia, was recently appointed by Bok coach Rassie Erasmus as a consultant for the June Tests against England and Wales.

“My focus is 100% with the Lions, I’m still contracted until next year. Rassie is totally utilising me when we have that break in Super Rugby, then I’ll be involved there,” he said.

De Bruin said it’s not a case of reporting back on some players who are in contention to play for the Boks, but rather a communication process in general that has been initiated.

“Obviously we do talk and communicate, but I want to assure everyone my focus is 100% with the Lions,” said De Bruin.

“And when I am at the Boks it will be 100% there. Wherever I’m involved I just want to give my all.”

With eight current Boks involved in the Lions’ opening match against the Waratahs in Sydney yesterday Erasmus would like to keep his ears close to the ground.

“What Rassie has started here is wonderful, he has a total relationship with the franchises, so that is basically what is happening,” explained De Bruin.

De Bruin said there is constant communication with the franchises. Erasmus speaks to them and they speak to the franchise coaches about when to rest players and when not to rest players, and said it is absolutely a step in the right direction.

“Secondly, my involvement there is a big honour, that I can be involved in the planning on attack as a consultant and be involved in the attacking department,” he said.

“So I think it’s a step in the right direction and Rassie is a real rugby guy – he will do well for the country.”

Former Springbok No 9 Francois Hougaardt yesterday retired from international rugby with immediate effect.

I think it’s a step in the right direction and Rassie is a real rugby guy.

Swys de Bruin Lions coach