Chester lurking in Bok shadows
Tue, 06 May 2008 11:19
Ready and waiting: Coach Chester Williams
Former Stormers, Cats and Springbok wing Chester Williams could be the man to slip in the back door as Springbok assistant coach if Dick Muir declines the offer.
Muir is undoubtedly the first choice for the position as Springbok backline coach, with Williams in second place.
However, there is some uncertainty whether Sharks head coach Muir will sign the contract with SA Rugby, as he is also considering offers from England's Guinness Premiership outfit Leicester Tigers, who are keen on his services.
Tigers have had a decidedly average season by their lofty standards under the stewardship of Argentinean coach Marcello Loffreda. They failed to reach the knock-out stages of the Heineken Cup and are in danger of not qualifying for next year's competition. On top of that, they could well miss a play-off spot in the Guinness Premiership, and are currently in sixth position.
If Muir does choose Tigers over the Boks, it could see Williams in the green and gold as soon as 7 June, in South Africa's first Test against Wales in Bloemfontein.
According to OFM Sport, the Springbok management team will hopefully be announced on Friday, if all contracts are signed, sealed and delivered.
It is expected that Stormers assistant coach Gary Gold will accept the offer to become Springbok forwards coach.
However, no decision has been made finalised regarding the position of Springbok team manager.
