Saru has confirmed that the future positions of the Springbok coaching and management team will be reviewed by the executive council next month.
Saru CEO Jurie Roux said all the contracts of the national team’s coaching, medical and logistical staff would expire at the end of the year, with a thorough review process now set to take place after the World Cup.
‘The executive council has the power to appoint management and coaching staff with the exception of the position of the Springbok coach, which is ultimately decided by the general council of Saru.
‘That body meets on 4 December when the position of the Springbok coach for 2016 will be on the agenda. Once all affected individuals have been notified of any decisions a public announcement will be made, which is not expected before 5 December.’
Although it has been widely rumoured that Heyneke Meyer is set to stay on as head coach for another four years, it remains to be seen if that will be ratified during the review process. The fate of the rest of Meyer’s management team appears to be less certain.
‘We realise the great public interest in the subject and this is easily one of the most important decisions we take as an organisation,’ Roux commented. ‘Supporters will understand therefore that we have many factors to consider before any announcements can be made. Those deliberations cannot take place in public out of respect for individuals and our governance structures.’
Saru president Oregan Hoskins said the Boks’ third-place finish at the World Cup had represented some form of reward for their efforts after suffering a shock loss to Japan in their opening game.
‘A bronze medal was not what we set out to achieve, but it represents some reward for the way the Springboks pulled themselves back into the tournament after a devastating defeat by Japan.
‘Ultimately we improved on our performance of four years ago and arguably gave the All Blacks their closest match of the tournament, but we know that that is not good enough and we will have to improve in many areas if we are to close in and overtake New Zealand.’
The Springboks’ next engagement is a three-Test series against Ireland in South Africa in June.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
