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Cape Town - Former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers believes the Stormers made the right call to name Robbie Fleck as their interim coach for next year’s Super Rugby competition.
Following the sudden departure of Eddie Jones to coach England, the Capetonians were on the hunt for a new coach with the new season fast approaching.
Former All Blacks, Western Force and Golden Lions coach John Mitchell was believed to be the favourite for the position, but in the end the franchise opted for one of its own employees.
Fleck was the Stormers’ backline coach for the last number of years and also coached Western Province’s Under-21 team to the national title this year.
De Villiers, himself a former Stormers captain, is happy with the decision to appoint Fleck.
“By getting him as coach, rather than make a hasty decision, can only benefit the union,” De Villiers told Netwerk24.
De Villiers, who is currently contracted to English side Leicester Tigers, was in Cape Town this past weekend as an ambassador for the sponsors of the World Rugby Sevens Series.
“At this stage, it’s not a permanent decision (to appoint Fleck), but if all goes well we can keep him on a permanent basis. If things don’t go according to plan and there is a better option, then there is the time and option to change.
“From what I’ve heard, the players reacted well to the decision and I hope it’s a successful season next year. He is a WP man through and through and knows the structures and culture well.”
