Allister Coetzee quits as Springbok coach

Despite writing a comprehensive and damning leaked letter to the South African Rugby Union (Saru) as well as vowing to fight tooth and nail for his job, Allister Coetzee on Friday decided to quit as Springbok coach.

Saru confirmed in a statement that the two parties had reached an agreement and that he’ll leave with immediate effect.

It’s hardly a surprising development given that Coetzee had already alleged in his 19-page document to the governing body that he’d be fired.

“First and foremost we had to assess what is in the best interests of the Springboks,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby.

“We’d like to thank Allister for his passion and dedication to the Springbok cause and wish him every success in his next role.”

Regardless of whether Coetzee might’ve had some legal footing to stand on – he alleged some of the clauses in his employment contract were infringed on – it was doubtful whether he could’ve stayed on anyway.

He made it plain that he wouldn’t be able to work under new director of rugby Rassie Erasmus.

Saru also stated the finalisation of the new Springbok coaching setup will be finalised before the end of this month.

Erasmus is expected to juggle his roles and use the men working within Saru’s rugby department as his assistants.

It is also expected that he’ll do so until the conclusion of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

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