The Pumas have been forced to part ways with forwards coach CJ van der Linde due to financial constraints.

The former Springbok prop joined the Pumas coaching staff last year, but the union’s CEO Pieter Burger confirmed Van der Linde was not offered a contract renewal because his services are too expensive.

‘I was very happy with him, but the reality is that we don’t have the money to keep him in our employ any longer,’ Burger told Netwerk24.

He confirmed that Brent Janse van Rensburg and MJ Mentz will be retained as head coach and assistant coach respectively, while Jimmy Stonehouse will return to the union as director of rugby following a stint in Japan.

Burger added that the Pumas face a financially tough year in 2018, despite receiving franchise status last month in anticipation of their involvement in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

‘Yes, we have franchise status, but the reality of the fact is that this year we’ll earn 40% less through broadcast rights than 18 months ago. What can I offer sponsors? A little bit of exposure in the Provincial Rugby Challenge and a single round of the Currie Cup,’ he explained.

‘Things will get better from next year once we start earning income from broadcast rights.’

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images