The Springboks are reportedly looking to appoint respected former match official Nigel Owens as their referee coach for the World Cup in France.
According to Rapport newspaper, Bok management have put forward Owens to SA Rugby’s executive committee as their preferred candidate, as part of the defending world champions’ preparations for the global showpiece in seven months’ time.
However, it is believed that while the Boks are keen to rope in Owens, the Welshman’s involvement with helping to train referees for World Rugby may preclude him from other interests.
If Owens is unavailable, it is understood that the Boks will look locally for assistance.
No date has been confirmed for the appointment of Boks’ ‘referee’, and when approached by City Press for a comment, Owens said: “I haven’t heard anything, but it would certainly be an honour.”
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