The Pumas are hoping to have Danie Rossouw provide input as a coaching consultant, which is a role Brendan Venter has also undertaken for the Currie Cup side. CRAIG LEWIS reports.

Venter has been consulting at the Pumas for the past three months on a part-time basis, with the former director of rugby at Saracens and the Sharks visiting the camp for a couple of days on a monthly basis.

Working alongside coaches MJ Mentz and Hein Kriek, the Pumas are now looking to bring Rossouw, the former Bok flank, on board to consult on the set pieces.

‘We have a young and ambitious coaching group, and so it’s great to be able to augment that with some more experienced and well-respected coaches,’ CEO Pieter Burger told SARugbymag.co.za. ‘Brendan has been warmly welcome here as a consultant, and we also think Danie could add great value.’

Venter told the Lowvelder that he hoped to be able to contribute in whatever way possible.

‘I made mistakes as a young coach and therefore I can hopefully give more meaningful advice. The point is not that the coaches follow my opinion, that is not my role, I'm just here to give advice and say what I think, but the final decision remains with MJ.’

The Pumas are currently third on the Currie Cup Qualifier log and will next play the Sharks in Newcastle on 18 June.

Photo: Hennie Homann/Steval Pumas