Former Springbok assistant coach Alan Solomons will coach the new Eastern Cape franchise, the Southern Kings, when they tackle the British and Irish Lions in Port Elizabeth on June 16.
Rugby 365 reports that Eastern Province Rugby Union president Cheeky Watson told a media conference that Solomons, who is also in line for the position as Director of Rugby in the East Cape, will be head coach for this one match only.
Watson said an agreement had been reached with current Mighty Elephants head coach Chris Grobler, who will step down – along with his assistant coach Ronnie Korkie, who will also be relieved of his duties.
EPRU Chief Executive Anele Pamba confirmed that the government had given its full support to the launch of the Southern Kings Super Rugby franchise on June 16.
“There will be a logo of either the East Cape Tourism department or Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism on the Southern Kings jersey on June 16,” Pamba told the media in Port Elizabeth.
Solomons, who has crisscrossed the globe as a coach, said it was a “big honour” to be asked to coach a team against the B&I Lions.
Solomons, currently the IRB’s high performance consultant, had coached the Springboks – as an assistant to Nick Mallett, the Stormers, Ulster and Northampton Saints.
“Port Elizabeth is where I went to school and it will be a pleasure in what is my home town franchise,” Solomons said of the June 16 showdown.
Solomons is open minded about taking on the full-time role of Director of Rugby if the Kings gain entry to an expanded Super Rugby competition.
“It is something that I will be considering,” said Solomons, who was head coach at the Cape Town-based Stormers before moving to Northern Ireland in 2001.
“It is a case of wait and see what transpires. I have been busy with International Board work and will be travelling quite a lot until the end of the month.”
* Although not confirmed yet, it is common knowledge that retired Springbok prop Robbie Kempson will be Solomons’s assistant.
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Go Kings!!! 🙄
What a waste of time. Melbourne will get the license. Then SA will leave S14 anyway and what European comp is going to allow 6 Saffer teams…especially when 4 of those teams are kak already. 🙄
@klempie (Comment 2) :
It wasn’t too long ago when your beloved team finished BOTTOM of the log. 👿
@wpw (Comment 3) :
hehehe
No Wes
that part of history never haPPened!
@klempie (Comment 2) :
But pls identify the [email protected] teams?
@wiLLem (Comment 5) :
You mos know he is referring to Stormers, Lions, Cheetahs and the Kings.
@wpw (Comment 6) : almost…..Stormers, Liverpool, Cheetahs and the Kings 😈
@Rahul (Comment 7) :
ARRRGGGGGHHHHHH
👿
@wpw (Comment 8) : Just ONE dig today
@wiLLem (Comment 5) :
Yip
But he must type it
next post to get “flushed” is/are 31-6
😎
@wpw (Comment 8) :
no iSSue
give the manureokes their dues
rather them than Chelsea/ the $harks of the Premiership!
@wpw (Comment 8) : to make a POINT
@wiLLem (Comment 10) :
LiverpOOl should win the Premiership if they want more Championships than ManU
YNWA!
@wpw (Comment 6) : I think he is referring to those in positions 11, 12 and 14. I dont think previous scores concern him – only log positions. But who am I to speak on his behalf.
@wiLLem (Comment 10) :
@wiLLem (Comment 12) :
Luckily this is a rugby site otherwise ONE would be forced to answer…
@Salmonoid (Comment 13) :
Exactly! You sound like Rassie’s lawyer!
@Rahul (Comment 14) :
You really are sharp today hey!!! 😉
@wpw (Comment 15) :
Is that a good or a bad thing? 😐
@wpw (Comment 16) : 😆
@wpw (Comment 6) :
@Salmonoid (Comment 13) : You’re more than qualified. 😎
@klempie (Comment 20) :
Thanks boss. 😎
@Rahul (Comment 14) :
😎
If past scores doesnt count- then past “log positions” counts even le$$
@wiLLem (Comment 22) : 😀