Peter de Villiers linked with international coaching role

While South African Rugby plays smoke and mirrors over the national coaching set-up, an unwanted former Springbok coach is set to take charge of neighbours, Zimbabwe.

It has been confirmed that former Bok coach Peter de Villiers has been interviewed for the Zimbabwe national team coaching job. Although De Villiers is widely expected to get the job, a final decision has yet to be made.

De Villiers arrived in the country on Monday and attended the national Under-20 team training session at Harare Sports Club.

“I think it will be an honour if the ZRU [Zimbabwe Rugby Union] engage me, but if it goes the other way, well, no hard feelings,” De Villiers told the local media.

“I will always be around to help the country develop the sport at any level,” he added.

“If the ZRU believe I am one of the best candidates and engage me, then I look forward to working with you the media as well.”

ZRU Chief Executive Officer Sifiso Made confirmed De Villiers applied for the national team coaching position.

“De Villiers is here to familiarise with our operations and Zimbabwe rugby since he has applied for the national team coaching job,” Made said.

The 60-year-old was coach of the Boks from 2008 to 2011 – where they lost in the World Cup quarterfinal to Australia.

During his term, they scored significant victories over the British and Irish Lions (2009) and won the Tri-Nations (2009) – securing a rare 3-0 whitewash over the All Blacks that same year.

“It would be an honour to coach Zimbabwe, but I’m waiting anxiously for decisions to be made by the board, and I believe they will make the right decision.

“I’m still a servant of the game and would want to serve whenever and whatever I can,” he said.

Collin Osborne was also expected in Harare on Tuesday for an interview, but insiders have said that the Harlequins Skills coach, who once coached Zimbabwe, will be appointed Director of Rugby.

Zimbabwe had a terrible run in the Africa Gold Cup last year, where they won only one match, against Senegal, and lost to Kenya, Namibia, Uganda and Tunisia.

They will be playing the same opponents in this year’s edition of the same competition, which this time doubles up as the World Cup qualifiers.

@rugby365