Ex-Stormers coach Allister Coetzee says he has not made himself unavailable for the Springbok coaching job.

While earlier reports suggested Coetzee had ruled himself out of the running for the position, having said he would be returning to the Kobe Kobelco Steelers for the next Japanese Top League season, he insists that is not the case.

‘I have one employer and that’s Kobe, with whom I’m still contracted,’ Coetzee told Network 24. ‘The South African Rugby Union has not offered me a job. I am not aware of a shortlist for the Bok job and I can’t appoint myself as coach.

“What am I supposed to say? That I’m not going to return to my job? The question that was posed to me – and what was reported in the media – was twisted. It creates the impression that I’m not interested [in the Bok job]. I can’t help but question the agenda.’

Saru is expected to announce the new Bok coach after the next general council meeting in March.

Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images