Allister Coetzee laughs off reports that he’s being fired

Allister Coetzee humorously denied that he’s off to Japan again after he’s sacked as Springbok coach.

Reports at the weekend alleged that the 54-year-old mentor will be out of a job next month because he won’t be able to fulfill the performance clause in his contract.

The South African Rugby Union (Saru) have apparently stipulated that he needed to finish his second year with a win percentage of over 65%.

Even if the Boks win on Saturday against Wales, Coetzee’s record will only stand at 48%.

As a result, him and assistant Matt Proudfoot have sounded out the Canon Eagles for employment.

Yet Coetzee rubbished those claims.

“I’m going to Japan. Definitely. I will be there in 2019,” he joked, in reference to that year’s World Cup.

Coetzee is contracted until the end of the showpiece tournament.

“I honestly don’t know where these rumours started. I’d like to know the source. It’s just unfortunate,” he said.

“I have a contract with SA Rugby until 2019 and my sole focus and mandate is to focus on this Test against Wales.”

As was the case last year, Coetzee will have a performance evaluation next month to take stock of the tour and the year.

“There will be a review after the tour, just like there is a review after the Rugby Championship, and just like there is a review after the incoming tour in June,” he said.

“That’s the process. Nothing new. Nothing innovative. It’s the same thing.”

However, doubts linger over Coetzee’s future, specifically since Rassie Erasmus’ appointment as Saru’s director of rugby.

He’s expected to make various changes to the national team’s setup and it’s understood Coetzee will have to report to him.

That would seem like a recipe for tension.

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