Proudfoot to join Coetzee in Japan
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Stormers forwards coach Matthew Proudfoot has decided not to renew his contract with Western Province Rugby and will be linking up with outgoing head coach Allister Coetzee at Japanese club the Kobelco Steelers.
Proudfoot, 42, has been part of the coaching team at the Stormers and Western Province for the past seven seasons, which has seen the Cape team’s pack become one of the most feared units at Super Rugby and Currie Cup level.
Despite Proudfoot's departure, WP director of rugby Gert Smal remains hopeful of retaining his services on a consultancy basis, which would see him contribute to the ‘Tight Five Factory', a project which is aimed at identifying and developing tight five players.
Products of the project included Steven Kitshoff, Scarra Ntubeni, Frans Malherbe, Vincent Koch, Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi and Nizaam Carr. The seven players have all progressed into the Springbok ranks [either as Test players or squad members], with the Stormers’ scrummaging power a huge boon in their recently-completed 2015 Super Rugby campaign.
Smal said the union would have liked to keep Proudfoot in the Cape.
"First and foremost, Matt deserves a lot of credit for what he has achieved here during his time as forwards coach of both the Stormers and Western Province," said Smal
"Like with Allister [Coetzee], it was always our intention to retain Matt’s services at WP Rugby, but, that said, you cannot stand in somebody’s way should they feel like a change after years of loyal service.
"I would like to thank Matt for his contribution here at WP Rugby and I am hopeful of him continuing as a consultant to our ‘Tight Five Factory’. I have already spoken to Allister Coetzee about that and we will make an announcement about that as soon as we have 100% clarity."
Proudfoot moved to the Cape at the start of 2009, having been a successful coach of NWU-Pukke at national and Varsity Cup level, and he will be leaving the union after helping its teams achieve three South African Super Rugby Conference titles and two Currie Cup triumphs.
"It was a dream come true to coach at Western Province – the union and the Stormers and Western Province teams will always remain very close to my heart,” Proudfoot told the Stormers website.
"There comes a time for change, however, and although I am leaving I will be leaving with fond memories and many friendships and plenty of experience.
"I would love to stay involved in the ‘Tight Five Factory’, as I believe it’s a project that has a lot of merit and could only benefit an already strong union like Western Province, so hopefully this won’t mean the end of my involvement here."
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