Former Vodacom Blue Bulls and Sharks scrumhalf Scott Mathie has been named as Griquas head coach for the 2020-21 season.

Mathie replaces the outgoing Brent Janse van Rensburg, who will take over as forwards coach at the Sharks for next year’s Super Rugby campaign.

Having worked under Janse van Rensburg as an assistant since the beginning of the 2019 season, the Griquas board opted for continuity with Mathie’s appointment, as the 36-year-old is already familiar with the structures in place at the Kimberley-based side.

Mathie’s involvement as attack and backline coach has brought a definite improvement to the team’s results this year, with Griquas claiming the Rugby Challange title as well as qualifying for the semi-finals of the Currie Cup for the first time in two decades.

‘Scott has a very good understanding of the environment, has already built up relationships with all management members and players that will allow for continuity leading into next season,’ commented Griquas president Jannie Louw.

Mathie, who also represented Leeds Carnegie and Sale Sharks in the English Premiership, previously assisted Janse van Rensburg at Varsity Cup level as well as at Grey High School, before overseeing a successful period as director of rugby at Durban High School.

‘I feel honoured and privileged to be entrusted with this responsibility. I am very thankful to Griquas for showing faith in my abilities to continue with the program,’ said Mathie.

‘I want to thank Brent for all his hard work and efforts he put into this season, which allows us to build on the great foundation laid this year. Focusing on consistent improvement will be a fundamental aspect for me, which we will adopt daily leading into 2020.’

Picture: Griquas Facebook