Cheetahs looking for a new coach

The Toyota Cheetahs will advertise for a new coach in the coming weeks after they gave their blessing to head coach Franco Smith to take up the role of Italian national team coach.

Smith was offered the job and with his Cheetahs contract coming to an end, will stay on for the Currie Cup before heading across to Europe to take up his new position.

The new coach will hopefully be appointed during this period, and will take up his role thereby ensuring a smooth transition over the next few months.

“Franco was offered the opportunity to coach the Italian national side from 1 January 2020. The Board of Directors see this as a great opportunity for Franco and is proud of the fact that so many top coaches have been developed by the Free State Cheetahs. Free State Rugby is seen as a breeding ground of opportunity with coaches like Rassie Erasmus, Niel Powell, Jacques Nienaber, Pote Human, Brendon Venter, Rory Duncan, Daan Human, who all started off in the Free State – and in the past, Nelie Smith, Gysie Pienaar and others,” a release from the Cheetahs said on Tuesday.

“The Board of Directors is proud of and wishes Franco the best of luck with the opportunity to coach on an international level until the next World Cup in 2023.

“In order to ensure a smooth transition, Franco will remain in the position as head coach for Currie Cup, where after the new coach will take over the reins for Guinness PRO14 later in September.

“The new coach will be part of the coaching structures during Currie Cup to experience the culture. After Currie Cup, Franco will stay in the fold as Director of Rugby until the end of November 2019.”

Despite Southern Kings coach Deon Davids being linked to the position, the Cheetahs say they will be advertising the post shortly.

“In the meanwhile, the Board of Directors has started with the process by assigning a panel which includes relevant role players that will be responsible to appoint the best candidate as the new head coach for the Toyota Cheetahs.

“Applications for the position will be advertised internally, externally and through Saru.”