Times Media reliably understands that the South African Rugby Union (Saru) approached Coetzee about the possibility of taking over from Heyneke Meyer as far back as December.
It is understood that Saru chief executive Jurie Roux approached Coetzee about taking over the position last Friday, the same day the mother body issued a statement saying they hoped to name the new coach at the end of their April 1 annual general meeting (AGM).
But Coetzee – on holiday in Cape Town since the end of the Japan Top League season in February, where he coaches Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers – poured cold water on the claims.
“Definitely not,” he said when asked if he had signed.
“I’m in Cape Town on holiday and having a great time. A lot has been said in the media and I would not like to tell anything that is not close to the truth.”
But a source within Saru, who spoke on condition of anonymity, was adamant that moves were definitely afoot to get the former Springbok assistant and Stormers coach on board.
“Things are moving at a fast pace; it may well be that he has signed already. Coetzee has been in Cape Town over the past weeks and Jurie Roux was told to get in touch with him. The CEO was tasked with that assignment,” the source said. WARY Southern Kings skipper Steven Sykes says his team have learned hard lessons while conceding a massive 101 points in their opening two Super Rugby matches.
He also warned that things would not get any easier for his inexperienced side, when they face the Crusaders and Hurricanes on consecutive weekends during the New Zealand leg of their tour.
“In terms of Saru criteria, Coetzee ticked all the boxes.
“There isn’t a single senior coach in South Africa who compares to him: in international experience, Super Rugby achievements and such things.”
The source said Saru High Performance general manager and former Cheetahs and Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus, who is also said to be available for the job, would continue in his current position.
“Rassie’s current role is keeping him busy and it doesn’t yet look like he’ll be roped in to the new coaching setup.”
Saru spokesman Andy Colquhoun also denied that Coetzee had signed for Meyer’s job, saying: “We don’t comment on speculation.”
