SA Rugby’s Bulls intervention raises questions over support for other franchises

Governing body SA Rugby have confirmed that Springbok assistant coaches Felix Jones and Jerry Flannery, SA Rugby Mobi-Unit coach Duane Vermeulen, and Head of Athletic Performance Andy Edwards will provide short-term support to the Bulls, following a request from the franchise for assistance in specific technical areas.

It seems a strange request, given that the Bulls are hardly a stricken franchise, even if they are currently on a five-game losing streak. It was only a few months ago that they contested the United Rugby Championship final.

All of South Africa’s franchises have endured difficult runs in the URC at some stage, yet no national coaching assistance has been extended to the Lions, Sharks or Stormers. More pertinently, why has there been no support for the struggling Cheetahs?

Perhaps it is simply a case of the Bulls being the only team to ask — and if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

In a statement, SA Rugby said the Bulls’ request was “approved by SA Rugby and the Springbok management as part of the organisation’s ongoing collaboration with its member unions”.

The Bok coaches will engage with the Bulls on a limited basis, both remotely and in person where required, in line with SA Rugby’s standard practice of sharing national coaching resources when requested.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said the support reflected the existing working relationship between the Springboks and the franchises.

“We maintain regular engagement with our franchises, and when they request input in specific areas, we assist within the normal scope of our roles,” said Erasmus.

“We understand the importance of a strong, collaborative relationship between our provincial teams and the Springboks, as it ultimately benefits South African rugby as a whole.”

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer also welcomed the collaboration.

“Our approach has always been to work collaboratively with our franchises where possible,” said Oberholzer. “We want to see all our teams perform to the best of their ability, and we will continue to support them when they reach out for assistance.”

“The support is short-term in nature and does not constitute any formal appointment with the franchise,” the SA Rugby statement concluded.