Kings and SA Rugby already talking about 'new' coach

INTERVIEW: Robbie Kempson is ready to ‘step aside’ and allow a new young coach to take over at the Southern Kings.

Speaking to the Port Elizabeth-based media, Kempson admitted he is ready to relinquish the coaching role and focus on his position as Director of High Performance.

Kempson has been doubling up in both roles – interim head coach and Director of High Performance – since the beginning of the 2019/20 Pro14 season.

However, he is ready to start the process to appoint a long-term coach.

“I still enjoy the coaching, but I would prefer to bring in a head coach,” he told the media briefing.

“I prefer to have someone else in that role [head coach].”

He revealed that talks about the new mentor had already begun and spoke about the ‘advantages’ of a permanent head coach could have.

“Yes, we have been chatting with SA Rugby,” he said of talks with the national body – who reclaimed the 74.9 percent controlling share from the oddly-named Greatest Rugby Company in the Whole Wide World.

Kempson said they are looking to give somebody else an opportunity.

“I think that creates an opportunity for a lot of young coaches that are out there,” he said – hinting to a possible direction they are moving in.

Kempson plans to stay involved in the coaching structures – using his skill and expertise as a former international prop to assist the new head coach.

“I will remain involved in mentoring the forwards, especially the scrums,” said the 37-times capped Springbok.

“If we are fortunate enough to bring someone else in, then they can take that head role and I can move aside.”

It was also revealed that Rassie Erasmus, South Africa’s Director of Rugby, has chatted to the Kings players about the way forward.

“He is from the region [Despatch] and is all for an Eastern Cape franchise doing well,” Kempson said of Erasmus’ chat with the players.

“He was very positive in the chat and about the questions the players asked of him. He has allayed a lot of fears that some of the players might have had.”

“He put the players at ease with regards to the future of the Southern Kings,” Kempson said, adding: “It’s very important for the players to have had that chat.”

By Yolulwe Qoshe
@Prince_Yyoza
@rugby365com

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