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Heyneke interested in Saru job
22/01/2008 22:25 - (SA)
Stephen Nell, Die Burger
Cape Town - Former Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer is interested in a prominent position in South African rugby, says Mike Stofile, deputy president of the SA Rugby Union.
Stofile and Meyer met in Johannesburg on Tuesday, despite Saru president Oregan Hoskins's opinion that his deputy had no mandate to do so.
"It was a good meeting," Stofile said later. "Heyneke and I are excited."
Stofile, who disagrees with Hoskins about the mandate issue, and Golden Lions president Jannie Ferreira met Meyer, who had lost in the recent race to coach the Springboks.
"Heyneke left the ball in our court," Stofile said.
"Our mandate was not to offer him a job but to enquire about his interest to play a future role in South African rugby.
"Heyneke showed interest and wanted to know what we could offer if he were to be appointed as director of coaching.
"However, we were not there to discuss his appointment."
Stofile will now contact members of Saru's presidents' council to find out what the next step should be.
Meyer coached the Bulls to their Super 14 triumph last year but lost to Peter de Villiers in the race to succeed Jake White as Springbok coach. He is also said to be interested in a job at a French club, Toulon.
Jake White could also apply
Asked about the possibility that Meyer could be offered a position, Stofile said, "It depends on the feedback I receive from members of the presidents' council."
Stofile denied that there was a power struggle involved in his decision to see Meyer. He said he had merely executed his mandate.
"I told Heyneke I was sorry that it might seem from the outside that he is a pawn in a game.
"I outlined the reasons for seeing him. He is looking forward to working with SA Rugby," he said.
Liam del Carme reports that Hoskins is upset about the meeting. He wants the presidents' council to decide whether Stofile was given a mandate to discuss any position with Meyer.
Hoskins has no doubts that such a mandate does not exist.
He is concerned that, by talking to Meyer about a job, expectations could be created that SA Rugby may be unable to meet.
It is also unclear whether De Villiers will have to report to the person who holds the envisaged position.
"There is a process to be followed," Hoskins said. "Anyone can apply for the position."
Asked whether White could apply, Hoskins said, "Yes, even Jake can, and it will probably happen."
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Rugby
