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Former Aus coach for Griquas?

Gerdie Karstens

Kimberley - Former Australia and Queensland Reds rugby coach John Connolly is one of the favourites to replace Dawie Theron as head coach of Griquas for the Currie Cup.

Griqualand West Rugby Union (GWRU) executive head, Arni van Rooyen, didn't want to confirm the names of the people who had applied for the position of head coach, but Sport24 has received reliable information that Connolly, who coached the Aussies in 2006 and 2007, is a strong candidate to succeed Theron.

"Naturally, none of the names of the candidates can be made public."

"But I can say that some of the applicants have coached at Super and National level," Van Rooyen told Sport24 on Tuesday.

Connolly became involved with the Reds' senior team for the first time in 1989.

While he was coach, the Queensland team won the then Super 6 series in 1992, and tasted glory in the Super 10 in 1994 and 1995.

With the start of the Super 12 series in 1996, he remained with the Reds, and in 1998 and 1999 was named Super 12 coach of the year.

From 1999 to 2000, Connolly was with French club side Stade Francais, after which he also coached in Wales (Swansea) and in England (Bath).

He was appointed as the Australian coach in 2006.

His contract expired in 2007 after the Wallabies lost against England in the quarter-final of the World Cup tournament.

Meanwhile the Griquas' assistant coach, Abré Minnie, has been appointed as head coach for the Vodacom Cup.

His appointment comes amidst the GWRU trying to find a substitute for Theron, who has been appointed as head coach of the South African U-20 team.

The GWRU initially wanted to appoint the new coach in time to be involved with the Vodacom Cup, but this was not feasible.

"We have received a large number of applications for the position of head coach," the union said on Tuesday in a statement.

"The process of finalising a shortlist has begun, and a date for the interviews will be announced after the shortlist has been finalised."

"Abré Minnie will be the acting head coach for the Vodacom Cup."
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