The DHL Stormers have confirmed that head coach Allister Coetzee will be leaving the union at the end of the Super Rugby season to take up the post at Kobelco Steelers that has been vacated by Gary Gold
Coetzee was evasive about his future on Friday evening pointing out that he has not signed with anyone “not even with WP Rugby” but has now decided to come out and spill the beans saying “I’ve had eight fantastic years at Western Province Rugby and would like to thank my fellow coaches, players, the leadership of WP Rugby and, of course, the supporters here in Cape Town and across the country. My family and I have always been made to feel very welcome in Cape Town, but we have now been presented with a great opportunity and some exciting times await us in a very new and different environment.”
Coetzee has had a relatively successful time in Cape Town winning 2 Absa Currie Cups and 2 Super Rugby Conference titles while also losing out in both a Currie Cup and Super Rugby final.
Western Province DOR Gert Smal said the Union had tried to hold onto Coetzee but understood that he wanted to pursue a new challenge, Smal meanwhile pointed out that there would be changes among the management team with John Dobson and Dawie Snyman taking up the Currie Cup coaching roles while Matt Proudfoot would be heading up a newly established “ Tight 5 factory” and Robbie Fleck would take care of the Under 21’s.
“John Dobson and Dawie Snyman have both impressed me with their vision and, of course, their records speak for themselves – having won three trophies in five seasons and produced countless players who have moved into our Super Rugby and Currie Cup teams (and beyond).
“It was always my intention to give John and Dawie an opportunity at a higher level this season and I am positive that they will reward my faith in them and continue their progression as talented coaches. At the same time, Matt and Fleckie can spread their specialised knowledge from the bottom up – and thereby get a first-hand experience of our young talent within the union – and also develop their coaching in a new environment.
“Over the last few months we have now integrated the likes of Paul Treu, Hanyani Shimange and Rito Hlungwani into our coaching set-ups, plus we are able to use Allister Coetzee, Robbie Fleck and Matt Proudfoot in new, wider roles in the latter half of the season and, of course, (we are) set to give the likes of John and Dawie a deserved opportunity at a higher level.
“It’s an exciting time for all of our coaches, who will continue to be stimulated throughout the year, but with all of this news (and movement) now confirmed we can move into the 2015 Vodacom Super Rugby season without any off-field distractions and concentrate on the job at hand.”
*** Quotes courtesy of www.thestormers.com
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What about the Eddie Jones rumors? Any truth to that?
@Pokkel (Comment 1) : As far as I know he has been offered the gig
Glad to see the Streamers occupying all the news headlines just before the SR kick-off. 😉
Pokkel (Comment 1) : That rumour scares. I read Eddie had a meeting with WPRU last week. Hope they don’t agree on terms. Province or any team would be very difficult with Eddie at the helm.
@Pokkel (Comment 1) : @Clayton(PJLD) (Comment 2) : @GreatSharksays (Comment 4) : would be great for them if they get Eddie but for the Sharks I really hope it’s not true!!!!
@FireTheLooser (Comment 3) : ja but if the next one is “Stormers sign Jones” I will be really worried! !!!!!!
@JD (Comment 6) : You telling me!….thankfully it won’t be “bulls sign Eddie Jones”…though Streamers fans are nearly as bad as bulls supporters these days 😐
@FireTheLooser (Comment 7) : can’t say never but I really don’t see the Bulls signing his as their idea of rugby a waaaaaaay different from his.
@GreatSharksays (Comment 4) : I tend to see it slightly differently. New coaching blood (and with it, new innovation) needs to make its way into SA rugby somewhere. If it’s the Stormers that take the plunge then so be it. It will ultimately benefit all of SA rugby. I don’t think the Sharks have much to complain about though. Brendan Venter is helping us out again, so I doubt we’re lagging in terms of quality coaching.
@vanmartin (Comment 9) : ja it’s good for SA but I’d rather have all the really good coaches at the Sharks (and yes I know that’s not possible)!!!!
This is about 3 years too late.
What has Eddie Jones been doing for the past 8 years?
@Dancing Bear (Comment 12) : coaching all over.
Rats off a sinking ship
As KSA pointed out to me this morning, the problem with signing up Eddie Jones is that WP might just get an unwelcome Jake White as part of the package.
Now that would be an unmitigated disaster.
Have always admired AC, but perhaps it is time for a change.
8 years is perhaps as far down this road as one coach should walk. A union with the pedigree of WP should have no problem finding a replacement – who wouldnt want to coach that team?
@JD (Comment 13) : Anywhere significant? Any significant accomplishments since 2007? Just wondering, haven’t heard much of him since then other than in the odd rumour here and there.
It seems to me that if the point is to bring a fresh perspective to SA and WP Rugby, which I support, Eddie Jones may not be the best candidate, since he is not all that fresh.
I’ll be keeping an eye in all these developments with much interest!!
@VinChainSaw (Comment 15) : nope he’s in France………….. well at least for this year. 😈
@Dancing Bear (Comment 17) : all I know is that he was in Japan but yes nothing in the headlines.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 18) : He’s been Japan’s head coach for the past few years….and I think he is currently coaching one of the Japanese teams.
Its one s15 season too many for average Coetzee
@JD (Comment 20) :
Lol, yup, but for how long?
@Saffex (Comment 23) :
Your definition of average is seemingly different to mine.
When AC took over Stormers had just ended 11th in the S14.
Since then theyve had finishes of 5th, twice second and once topped the log.
Admittedly interspersed with some sub-standard results, but thats not really average… not given where the other SA franchises have been finishing.
@VinChainSaw (Comment 24) : like I said at least untill the end of the year. Could start at the Stormers in January.
@VinChainSaw (Comment 25) : leave him boet he’s just trolling! !!!!!