Coetzee: Media reports were twisted

Cape Town - Allister Coetzee insists he has not made himself unavailable for the Springbok head coaching position.

Coetzee is upset over reports he believes create the impression he would not be available to coach the Springboks should SARU approach him.

According to SuperSport.com, Coetzee told Japanese media that he had given his Japanese club - the Kobe Steelers - the assurance that he would be back in the Far East to see out his second year of his contract in the Top League.

An upset Coetzee on Wednesday told Netwerk24 that the reports from Japan created the wrong impression.

“I have one employer and that’s Kobe, with whom I’m still contracted.

“The South African Rugby Union has not offered me a job. I am not aware of a shortlist for the Bok job and I can’t appoint myself as coach.

“What am I supposed to say? That I’m not going to return to my job?

"The question that was posed to me - and what was reported in the media - was twisted. It creates the impression that I’m not interested (in the Bok job). I can’t help but question the agenda.”

Coetzee, 52, was Springbok assistant coach between 2004 and 2007 and was Stormers head coach between 2010 and 2015.