Rassie Erasmus and Allister Coetzee have had their contracts with Western Province rugby extended until 2012.
It shows confidence and satisfaction in the performance of what has been an underperforming coaching team by Managing director of WP Rugby Ltd, Rob Wagner and his board. They obviously believe that although the results have not been forthcoming, Western Cape rugby is moving in the right direction.
The 2009 Currie Cup was a step in the right direction, but after the 2009 Super 14, I’m not sure I’d have given them a 2 year extension so hastily.
Wagner appears confident ahead of the 2010 Super 14 and said “There are three reasons why I’m confident about the new season. The first is the rugby institute that has been established at Stellenbosch, the second is the High Performance Centre in Bellville, and the third is team management and players. We are now entering the third year with this management. The extension of their contracts will help establish confidence among the players.”
I am glad Coetzee’s value as a coach has been highlighted as he did a great job with the Western Province Currie Cup side in 2009, and finally stepped out of the label as a token assistant coach. His ability to get the best out of players has been highlighted as a key strength.
Rassie Erasmus meanwhile will take on a role similar to a director of rugby as senior professional coach. He will keep an eye on the institute and high performance centre whilst still performing a hands on coaching role as needed.
The results in the 2009 Super 14 may have been disastrous, but I’m hoping that the lessons have been learnt. With a centrally-controlled training facility in Bellville, the rugby institute producing talent such as Springbok centre Juan de Jongh and other structures in place to aid in the success of WP rugby, there can be no excuses in 2010.
With a star studded lineup which now includes new Springbok acquisitions Jaque Fourie and Bryan Habana, much is expected of the Stormers. However each year I predict the Stormers look dangerous and will set the competition alight only to see them underpeform dismally. Let’s hope 2010 finally brings some results!
