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Cape Town - Cheetahs coach Franco Smith says that coaching the Lions next year is not an option and that he still believes in the Cheetahs.
A Netwerk24 report on Thursday had linked Smith to the job at Ellis Park, with current coach Johan Ackermann on his way out at the end of the season to coach Gloucester in England.
Then, on Friday, it was announced that the Cheetahs and Kings would not take part in Super Rugby in 2018 after they were cut as part of SANZAAR's restructuring of the tournament.
Sport24 had asked Smith about the Lions job on Friday morning and he had said that he would not comment until the Cheetahs had made their major announcement on Friday.
Then, soon after the announcement that the Cheetahs would not play Super Rugby, Smith took to Twitter to commit to the franchise and end speculation over a possible move to the Lions.
While the future of both the Cheetahs and Kings remains uncertain, strong reports have linked both franchises to the Pro12 in Europe - a competition currently made up of teams from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Italy.
Smith is also the current attack coach of the Springboks. His is contracted to the Cheetahs until 2020.
To end speculation.I still believe in @CheetahsRugby and is grateful for @Springboks opportunity.Lions not an option. #forGodsglory@ToyotaSA
— Franco Smith (@SmithrugbySmith) July 7, 2017
