SA's Zondagh leaves Scotland's coaching team with immediate effect

NEWS: The Scottish Rugby Union have confirmed that assistant coach AB Zondagh has left his role as attack coach with immediate effect.

Zondagh’s departure comes after reports in France that he will take up the role of attack coach at Top 14 side Lyon.

Zondagh will become assistant coach to Xavier Garbajosa at Les Loups, who are currently sitting in ninth on the Top 14 table, prior to the World Cup.

The Scottish Rugby Union revealed the news in a tweet.

“AB Zondagh has left his position as Scotland assistant coach for family reasons and to pursue opportunities.

“We wish him all the best and thank him for his contribution since joining in 2021.”

AB Zondagh has left his position as Scotland assistant coach for family reasons and to pursue opportunities.

We wish him all the best and thank him for his contribution since joining in 2021.#AsOne pic.twitter.com/bR6RUFyjA0

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) January 9, 2023

South African born, Zondagh joined the Scotland setup from Toulouse after their successful season in 2020/21 in which they won both the European and French Championships.

He had originally joined the club in 2019 as an assistant coach, focusing on kicking, attack, and skills development.

Previously, he had served as a consultant for the team in 2018.

Prior to this, Zondagh coached at the Sharks and held various positions in skills and high-performance roles from 2013 to 2019, during which time he won the Currie Cup twice in 2016 and 2018.

Zondagh’s career began at the prestigious Rugby Performance Centre in South Africa in 2007, and he later held coaching roles with the Border Bulldogs from 2012 before joining the Sharks.

His departure leaves a hole that Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend will have to fill before the World Cup later this year.