A World Cup-winning Springbok assistant coach has been removed from his position as head coach of a provincial team with immediate effect.

The Leopards have relieved Matt Proudfoot of his responsibilities amid the Potchefstroom-based outfit’s disappointing SA Cup campaign.

Proudfoot, who was part of Rassie Erasmus’ 2019 world champion Bok staff, will not oversee the Leopards’ final two fixtures of the competition after just one win from seven matches.

Leopards Rugby president Mervyn Taylor confirmed the decision to Netwerk24 while stressing that the 53-year-old Proudfoot remains employed by the union.

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“He has been relieved of his duties as head coach for the final two matches of the SA Cup series. After the series we will reflect and decide how things will work in the future,” said Taylor.

“He wasn’t fired, he was relieved of his duties as head coach of the Leopards. He’s here, he’s still in his office and I speak to him regularly, but he’s not involved in coaching at all.”

The Klerksdorp-born Proudfoot, who earned four Scotland caps during his playing career, joined the Leopards just over a year ago following stints with Maties, Namibia and England. He has also coached the Stormers and won the Currie Cup with Western Province.

Assistant coach Riaan van Straten will take charge for second-from-bottom Leopards’ remaining fixtures against the Falcons and SWD Eagles.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images