“It’s distasteful to say the least, to use me as a black South African as a pawn in such an untenable manner”
Netwerk24 on Monday afternoon shed more light on the letter in which Coetzee in particular hits out at the appointment of Rassie Erasmus as SA Rugby’s director of rugby.
Erasmus now looks set to take charge of the Springboks.
According to the Afrikaans website, Coetzee claims Erasmus’s appointment is a “less competent candidate” being preferred to him and that it would not be conducive to transformation.
Coetzee wrote: “There is a general view among SARU ranks that the intention was always to replace Heyneke Meyer with Rassie, but SARU wanted to avoid any controversy regarding race.
“A strategy was developed to use me as a coloured person to conceal the end goal – by offering me the job as Bok coach – but to not equip me with the necessary resources to adequately perform my tasks. It would lead to me vacating my position earlier in order for Rassie to eventually be appointed.
“This strategy is not in line with SARU’s strategic transformation plan. It’s distasteful to say the least, to use me as a black South African as a pawn in such an untenable manner.”
Coetzee added that Erasmus’s appointment “in general” does not promote transformation.
He also said it was “shocking” that he was being used as a “ceremonial” coach that must report to Erasmus, who Coetzee “with respect” described as “less competent”.
Under the guidance of Coetzee, the Springboks endured a torrid two years, with several unwanted records being set which include:
– First ever defeat to Ireland in South Africa – in 2016
– Biggest defeat to Ireland – 38-3 in 2017
– First ever away defeat to Argentina
– First ever defeat to Italy
