Local players, through the South African Rugby Players Association, have given SA Rugby (Pty) Ltd a recommendation on who they believe should succeed Harry Viljoen as Springbok coach.

The players, in completing a Sarpa questionnaire, also listed the qualities they felt necessary in the make-up of a Bok coach.

SA Rugby (Pty) Ltd managing director Rian Oberholzer (pictured) said he was delighted that the players were willing to take part in the exercise. "It adds more credibility to the appointment of the coach.

"We are thankful to Sarpa for their efforts in securing the information. All four SA regional squads were consulted, through Sarpa, and the information will be taken into consideration when appointing the coach," he said.

SA Rugby (Pty) Ltd members and representatives of Sarpa met on Monday to discuss the appointment of the new Bok coach. Player remuneration was also on the agenda and both parties reinforced the desire to financially reward the country's best players.

No decisions were taken on player remuneration because of the Springbok coach's pending appointment. However, certain principles of agreement were reached whereby the player contribution to Test match activity and performance would be rewarded.

Oberholzer described the discussions as rewarding. "We have now had two very good meetings and there is commonality in working towards a recognition agreement with Sarpa.

"We both understand the business principle that we must invest wisely in our assets (Springbok players), but by the same token there must be a return on the investment.

"There is a general understanding of this and once the new coach is appointed we can have finality on certain issues," he said.