Allister Coetzee has reiterated his enduring interest in taking on the Springbok coaching job.
With Rassie Erasmus having removed himself from contention for the Bok top job, Coetzee is now expected to be the outright frontrunner for the post that has been vacant since Heyneke Meyer stepped down in early December.
Speaking to Darren Scott of Ballz Visual Radio, Coetzee, who is on holiday in South Africa after completing his first season coaching the Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers, clarified his position.
‘I know there’s been a lot in the media, but the only people that can decide and appoint is the South African Rugby Union. From my side, it is still one of my dreams [to coach the Springboks]… That’s why I went into coaching, the passion is still there. For any coach that would be the pinnacle of his career, and for me, nothing has changed. To be able to represent your country is massive, and especially Springbok rugby, I had a bit of a taste of it [as an assistant coach from 2004 to 2007].’
Coetzee added that his time coaching overseas had been a beneficial experience.
‘I’m still growing as a person, I’ve been overseas and have grown tremendously working with other international players from New Zealand, and Japanese internationals. It’s still definitely one of my objectives in my career.’
Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images
