Cape Town - Former Lions coach Eugene ‘Loffie’ Eloff is reportedly on the shortlist to become the next head coach of America’s national rugby team, the USA Eagles.
The Eagles are looking for a new coach following the recent announcement that John Mitchell will return to South Africa.
Mitchell had coach the Americans since 2016, but will leave his post in July after signing a deal with the Bulls, becoming the Pretoria franchise’s new executive of rugby.
Mitchell will head for South Africa following the Eagles’ summer series and Rugby World Cup 2019 qualifier matches. He had earlier also coached the Lions.
Meanwhile, according to Netwerk24, Eloff is in the running to replace Mitchell as Eagles coach.
Eloff currently coaches the Austin Huns Rugby Club in Texas.
He led them to the US national Rugby Championship title this past weekend when they upset the New York Athletic Club (NYAC) 27-23 in the final.
Other notable rugby accomplishments for Eloff include leading the South African under-19 team to world championship victories in 2003 and 2005.