South Africa delay announcement of new head coach
Friday 1 April 2016 14:50, UK
The South African Ruby Union (SARU) will announce the new Springbok head coach on April 12 and Allister Coetzee is strong favourite to get the job.
SARU president Oregan Hoskins confirmed on Friday that the organisation's General Council had approved a candidate, without revealing his identity, and the ruling body will now complete the process of contracting the coach and his management team.
"We are happy to have reached this point and are particularly excited with our final choice," said Hoskins.
"Today's ratification triggers the final part of the process. We're looking forward to being able to confirm our choice publicly."
Former Stormers coach Coetzee is the favourite to become the 13th post-isolation coach of the Boks.
The 52-year-old joined Kobelco Steelers last year after six seasons with the Stormers in Cape Town.
While national body SARU did not explain the latest hold-up, media speculated that it could be due to negotiations with Kobelco.
Previous coach Heyneke Meyer opted not to seek an extension to his contract after the Rugby World Cup, where the Boks were beaten by Japan in the pool stages but recovered to reach the semi-finals.
South Africa play a three-Test series against Ireland in June.
