Harry rebuilds Springbok management team
January 24, 2001

Springbok coach Harry Viljoen took the first steps in assembling a new management team on Tuesday when Sarfu announced that Andre Markgraaff and Jake White were available to assist him with his preparations for the 2001 season.

Viljoen last year hastily appointed a management team for the end-of-year tour to Argentina and the UK and Ireland. He, however, at the time stressed the appointments were just temporary and that he would look at assembling a more permanent team after the tour.

Former national coach Markgraaff and former Bok technical adviser White were part of that management team. The Natal Rugby Union announced earlier on Tuesday that they had released White from his contract, freeing him up to give input at national level.

"It was important to confirm the availability of Andre and Jake as early as possible in the season," said Viljoen. "Because they have no full-time commitments at regional or provincial level they are able to become involved immediately.

"At this stage, Allister Coetzee is focused on preparing the Eastern Province team, but we do intend to make use of his expertise wherever possible." Coetzee was an assistant coach on the end-of-year tour and together with new Lions Vodacom Cup coach Frans Ludeke was in charge of the midweek side.

"This is a start at getting the team management in place for 2001," Viljoen added. "All who toured last year are considered candidates, but I will be holding discussions on specifics with Sarfu in due course," Viljoen said.

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