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Heyneke Meyer to coach Ireland?
08/04/2008 22:03 - (SA)
Morris Gilbert , Beeld
Pretoria - It is not inconceivable that Springbok coach Peter de Villiers and former Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer will cross swords when the Springboks play Ireland in a rugby Test in Dubai later this year.
De Villiers and Meyer were the top candidates when South African administrators had to appoint a coach to succeed Jake White.
De Villiers got the job, prompting Meyer to embark on a career outside rugby.
Now it seems Meyer may not be lost to rugby. He has told a Dublin newspaper that he would certainly be interested in succeeding Eddie Sullivan as Irish coach.
"I miss being involved in something special, such as a culture in which people will die for each other," he was quoted as saying. "I have always thought Irish rugby had that passion.
"It will, of course, be a great honour if the Irish administrators approach me but there has been no official discussions between us.
"I have no doubts that the Irish are capable of reaching great heights. I really thought they would do well in the (2007) World Cup tournament.
"Of all the teams in the northern hemisphere, they are the ones who can look the southern hemisphere giants in the eyes."
Meyer said Ireland had outstanding backs. "I have always watched Irish rugby with great interest."
Meyer would be a great acquisition to Ireland but Munster coach Declan Kidney seems to be the favourite to take over from O'Sullivan.
Munster qualified for the European Cup semi-finals last weekend.
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Rugby
