Proudfoot has enjoyed a close working relationship with new ‘Bok coach Allister Coetzee where he has served as an assistant coach of the Stormers, Western Province and the Kobe Steelers in Japan.
The 44 year old joins the current Springbok coaching staff under Coetzee which includes Johann van Graan and Mzwandile Stick. He has signed a four year contract after the Kobe Steelers released him from his contract where he worked alongside Coetzee.
Coetzee referenced the pairs working history together, “I know Matt very well from our coaching stints together in Cape Town and Japan and has a lot of respect for his ability to build a powerful pack and his rugby philosophy.”
He went onto share his thoughts on what Proudfoot would bring to the Springbok side, “I am confident that he will add a lot of value to our management staff and the coaches are looking forward to working with him.”
Forward coaching duties will be split up between Proudfoot and van Graan, with the latter in charge of attack and lineout play whilst Proudfoot, a former Scottish international will oversee scrummaging, breakdown and all aspect related to contact areas.
Former South African born French international Pieter De Villiers will continue as a scrum consultant for the Springboks.
Proudfoot’s playing career consisted of four Tests for Scotland, between 1998 and 2003. He also has Super Rugby experience with the Bulls as a front ranker who featured in 1996 and 1997.
He first made a name for himself as a promising coach when the NWU-Pukke won the 2008 National Club Championships under his guidance.
Thereafter, he was recruited in 2009 by Rassie Erasmus to join the Stormers as a scrum consultant, following the departure of Gary Gold to the Springbok coaching staff.
