WP confirm Currie Cup coaching staff

Cape Town - The coaching staff for Western Province as well as the union’s Under-21 and Under-19 teams have been confirmed.

Jerome Paarwater takes over as Western Province Under-21 coach, replacing Robbie Fleck who coached the team to the national title this year.

Western Province coach John Dobson will be assisted in the Currie Cup Premier Division campaign, which starts with a trip to Loftus Versfeld to face the Blue Bulls on Friday August 5, by backs coach Dawie Snyman, head defence coach Paul Treu, assistant defence coach Norman Laker and forwards coach Russell Winter.

Paarwater will be assisted by forwards coach Hanyani Shimange, backs coach Chris Rossouw, defence coach Anton Moolman and fitness and conditioning coach Riefaat Jappie.

Paarwater brings plenty of experience to the role as a coach that has been involved in the structures at Western Province Rugby for over 15 years, and he is excited about the challenge.

"There is so much talent to work with here, and I have two Springboks assisting me, so I am excited about the challenge that lies ahead of us," said Paarwater.

Western Province Under-19 retain the same coaching staff that took them to the semi-final last year with forwards coach Rito Hlungwani, defence coach Chris October and strength and conditioning coach Johan van Wyk assisting head coach Nazeem Adams who recently travelled to the World Rugby U20 Championships as assistant coach of the Junior Springboks.

Director of rugby Gert Smal said that it is vital that the standards of excellence that have been achieved in recent years across all Western Province teams are maintained.

"The success of our age-group teams is something we take great pride in, and making sure there are good young players coming through the system consistently is a major focus for us.

"Both Jerome and Nazeem have proven pedigrees as coaches, and I am looking forward to seeing what they are able to achieve with the exciting talent at their disposal this season," he said.

Smal is also looking forward to seeing what Stormers assistant coaches Treu and Winter can offer the Western Province coaching team of Dobson, Snyman and Laker whose team topped the Currie Cup Qualifier standings.

"Paul and Russell have proven their value during Super Rugby, so they will have a lot to offer in the Currie Cup campaign," he said.