CONFIRMED: Former players join Western Province coaching team

NEWS: The Western Province coaching team for the upcoming Currie Cup campaign has been confirmed.

Labeeb Levy will take charge of the squad as head coach and will be supported by a strong group of coaches.

The experienced Levy will have former players Brok Harris and Dewaldt Duvenage as the forwards and backs coaches, respectively

Riefaat Jappie will be the strength and conditioning coach, while former Springbok centre Brendan Venter has been appointed as a technical consultant.

Western Province will get their campaign underway with a North-South clash against the Bulls at Cape Town Stadium on July 26.

These appointments will give the Stormers management a chance to refresh and embark on some professional development before turning their attention to the pre-season preparations ahead of next season’s United Rugby Championship.

Director of Rugby John Dobson said that the Western Province coaching team has a great blend of seasoned experience and some fresh faces who will bring plenty of energy.

“We often talk about a balance of youth and experience on the field and I think this coaching group has also got that.

“You have the likes of Labeeb and Brendan who are both established mentors and great rugby minds and then Brok and Dewaldt who are legends on the field and are taking their first major steps in a coaching capacity.

“Riefaat Jappie is our senior Strength and Conditioning Coach and will provide good continuity in that regard.

“Last season was a tough one, but we achieved our aim of bringing through some talented young players, with eight of them going on to represent the Stormers.

“This season we have got a great group of hopefuls who will be primed to play the exciting brand of rugby that Western Province is renowned for under the guidance of this strong coaching team,” he said.

Levy said that he is excited about working with this dynamic group.

“I have a strong personal relationship with each one of these men and I know that together we will be able to take this group of players forward to do justice to the blue and white hoops of Western Province.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for coaches and players to prove their mettle and you can be sure that we will be putting in the hard work to ensure that we rise to the challenge this season,” he said.