Cape Town - A Griquas coach who lost his job because he was a fan of the All Blacks has been reinstated in his position.
READ: 2 SA coaches snubbed - for supporting All Blacks
It was reported late last month that Kimberley-based coaches Deon Carney and his assistant Joe Molale were informed by the Griquas Rugby Union that they will no longer be coaching Griquas’ Academy schools side in 2018 due to their loyalty to the All Blacks.
Netwerk24 reports that Molale has his job back after pledging his allegiance to South African rugby.
Carney, however, opted to continue supporting the All Blacks and was not re-appointed.
Griquas president Jannie Louw said they held a meeting with both coaches last Saturday.
"We told them that if they're loyal then they would be welcomed back. Deon decided to remain sidelined and I respect it - no gun was held against his head. If he changes his decision in a few weeks' time then he'll be welcomed back," Louw said.
Molale said he supported the All Blacks from a young age but decided it was in his best interests to accept Griquas' request.
"You have to pray for me, I need it," he told the Afrikaans website.
Carney, meanwhile, said a change of heart would not be possible at this stage.
"I'm not suddenly going to pretend that I'm supporting another country. I believe in my abilities as coach."