CAPE TOWN – The Cheetahs say that a media report linking their director of rugby Franco Smith with a permanent move to Cape Town is ‘mere speculation’. On Sunday, Afrikaans newspaper Rapport indicated that Rassie Erasmus, SA Rugby’s new director of rugby, has given Smith the choice of moving Cape Town and remain part of the Bok coaching staff or stay in Bloemfontein and give up his role with the national team.
Smith who is also the attack and skills coach for the Springboks but it appears as though Erasmus wants him to live close to SA Rugby’s headquarters- which is situated in Plattekloof just outside Cape Town.
Should Smith opt for the second option he would spend long periods away from his family who are currently settled in Bloemfontein.
“As far as we’re concerned, everything said in the media is mere speculation. From our viewpoint, he is the director of rugby here and he’s the official attack coach of the Springbok. We have an agreement with SA Rugby that he’ll be with us from time to time. On that basis, we have a good agreement,” said Cheetahs CEO Harold Verster.
Smith, however, refrained to comment and directed all matters to Erasmus. He is contracted to the Cheetahs until the end of the 2019 season.
Smith is a former fly-half and centre who has played nine tests for the Springboks between 1997 and 1999.
Photo Credits – SA Rugby Mag
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