The Lions are reportedly eyeing a shock move to secure former Springbok duo Victor Matfield and Jaque Fourie as coaches.
Earlier in the week, Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli revealed that the union’s coaching ranks are set for a complete overhaul in the wake of the team’s recent struggles in the Currie Cup.
While reports initially suggested that Straeuli himself could be in line to replace Ivan van Rooyen as head coach, the former Springbok coach ruled himself out of contention.
It has now come to light that both Matfield and Fourie are being targeted to head coach the Lions’ squads for the United Rugby Championship and Currie Cup respectively.
In 2017, Matfield served as Lions assistant coach and was later offered the Bulls coaching job, but declined the offer at the time. Matfield is currently working as a television analyst and focusing on his businesses.
Fourie meanwhile is working as a coaching consultant for various schools after a stint as the USA’s defence coach leading up to the 2019 World Cup.
Three other Boks – Andre Pretorius, Albert van den Berg and Louis Koen – have also been placed on the Lions’ shortlist of potential coaching options.
Griquas boss Scott Mathie was also on the Lions’ radar but is not interested as he wants to further his coaching career in the USA.
Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images
