Allister Coetzee's lucrative severance package has been revealed

A South African media outlet are reporting that the now former Springbok coach Allister Coetzee is set to receive a lucrative severance package as he leaves his role with the SARU.

Rapport report that Coetzee will receive 1.8 million Rand as a golden handshake of sorts from SARU. That amounts to roughly £106,000 or €120,000 euro.

The settlement comes after a heated saga played out between Coetzee and SARU over recent weeks. A letter which Coetzee sent to SARU was ‘leaked’ and the then Springbok coach accused the union of setting him up to fail and of using underhand tactics to oust him from his position.

Coetzee won just 44 per cent of his matches as Springbok coach.

Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby: “First and foremost we had to assess what is in the best interests of the Springboks. We’d like to thank Allister for his passion and dedication to the Springbok cause and wish him every success in his next role.”

— Springboks (@Springboks) February 2, 2018

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

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

Coetzee said: “I have always held Springbok rugby dear to my heart and will continue to do so and for that reason, I think now is the time the team and I strike out in new directions. I wish Springbok rugby every success in the future – as I have always done.”

Coetzee’s final statement was in marked difference to the letter he wrote SARU, in which he lamented the idea of being reduced to reporting to a coach he felt should be his understudy.

“You further informed me that a further aspect of the decision is that my services will be terminated regardless of the outcome of the anticipated performance review, as contemplated by my employment contract, and, should I wish to remain in SARU’s employment, I will be reduced to a ceremonial coach, and further that Johan Erasmus has already been employed to replace me and is already performing the duties of the Springbok Coach.

“Should I be reduced to the position of a ceremonial coach I would have to face the indignity of reporting to Rassie.”

The content of that letter can be read in detail here.