Franco set to make decision on Bok post

Cape Town - Springbok assistant coach Franco Smith is reportedly set to inform SA Rugby whether he intends to stay with the national team.

It was reported last month that that Rassie Erasmus, SA Rugby’s new director of rugby, gave Smith the choice of moving to Cape Town and remain part of the Bok coaching staff, or staying in Bloemfontein and giving up his role with the national team.

Smith is also the Cheetahs’ director of rugby and it appears as though Erasmus wants Smith to live close to SA Rugby’s headquarters - which is situated in Plattekloof just outside Cape Town.  

Smith’s family is settled in Bloemfontein and should he opt for the second option then he’d spent long periods away from them.

According to Netwerk24, Smith will make a decision on his future this week.

Meanwhile, there are also reports that Cheetahs coach Rory Duncan may leave to join English club, Worcester Warriors.

Smith’s involvement with the Springboks could have an impact on whether the Cheetahs opt to release Duncan at an earlier stage.

The Cheetahs were reluctant to comment on the reports.

Duncan, a former Kings and Cheetahs lock, has been involved in a coaching capacity at the Cheetahs since 2014 and was named head coach of the PRO14 side in July last year after swapping roles with Smith.

Smith then became the union’s director of rugby as he also fulfils the role of Springbok attack and skills coach.