The process of finalising the appointment of Heyneke Meyer’s successor is only set to be concluded early next year.

Saru held its general council meeting in Cape Town on Friday, where various matters were discussed, but the intensive process of identifying and securing the services of the next Bok coach will not be rushed.

Although Allister Coetzee is widely regarded as the odds-on favourite to take on the Bok top job, the executive committee is now expected to continue conducting due diligence in considering the best candidates before making a recommendation.

The likes of Johan Ackermann, John Plumtree and Rassie Erasmus are other highly regarded coaches who might be considered to play a role in the Bok coaching set-up, while even the name of New Zealand’s Wayne Smith has been bandied about.

Ultimately, the recommendation for the Bok coach will need to be ratified by the general council, which could well be in the new year, with Meyer’s previous appointment having only been confirmed at the end of January 2012.

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