Springbok selector Allister Coetzee and Stormers coach Gert Smal have been confirmed as assistant coaches to newly appointed Springbok coach Jake White.
Their appointments were discussed at a meeting on Monday between White, Brian van Rooyen (president of the South African Rugby Football Union), Dr Theunie Lategan (SA Rugby chairperson), Songezo Nayo (acting managing director) and CEO Mveleli Ncula.
”We are pleased to have concluded this matter swiftly to allow the new coaching structure an immediate opportunity to begin its planning,” said Van Rooyen.
”Both of the assistants bring with them many years of experience and will most definitely make a valuable and meaningful contribution to the Springbok cause.”
Coetzee, a former South African Rugby Union captain and Eastern Province scrumhalf, was assistant Springbok coach under Harry Viljoen in 2001 and coached the South African ”A” team in the same year.
He is also a former coach of the national under-23 team, where he oversaw the team’s participation in the African Championships. Coetzee’s most recent coaching assignment was as head coach of the Mighty Elephants in the Absa Currie Cup in 2002.
Smal was an assistant to previous Springbok coach Rudolf Straeuli during last year’s World Cup and is regarded as the premier forward coach in South Africa.
He also served as an assistant to Carel du Plessis in 1997 and has been in charge of the Stormers for the past two seasons.
The former Springbok flanker will continue in his capacity as Stormers coach during the 2004 Vodacom Super 12 campaign.
”Allister and Gert bring with them a wealth of experience to the squad,” said White. ”They will add great value in their respective areas of speciality and I am certain that they share the view that we need to bring positivity to Springbok rugby again.”
Coetzee’s appointment means he will no longer serve as a national selector.
This has prompted the appointment of technical committee member Peter Jooste to the national selection committee alongside Andre Markgraaff. — Sapa