Ludeke to get a promotion at Bulls?

Cape Town - Frans Ludeke may not be Bulls coach next season, but he could be promoted to a higher role at the union.

The union’s CEO Barend van Graan earlier this week confirmed that the Blue Bulls Company will hold a meeting on Friday to discuss the future of Ludeke.

Ludeke, who led the Bulls to Super Rugby titles in 2009 and 2010, reportedly has a contract with the Bulls until October 2016.

While there are rumours that he could be relieved of his coaching duties sooner, one of the options on the cards is to make him Director of Rugby.

According to the supersport.com website, the idea was presented by Ludeke himself before the Bulls’ Australasian Super Rugby tour and will be debated by the board as they look to plot the way forward after a dismal Super Rugby season.

This would allow Ludeke time and energy to focus on recruitment and the overall strategy of rugby at the union, while being relieved of the coaching duties.

The Director of Rugby role was vacated three years ago when Heyneke Meyer became Springbok coach and has remained unfilled since then.

The name of Springbok forwards coach Johan van Graan has been mentioned as possible head coach, with Victor Matfield and Fourie du Preez his assistants.

Matfield will retire after this year’s Rugby World Cup and Bok scrumhalf Du Preez will complete his contract with Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath at the beginning of 2016.