New mentor for Baby Boks
The South African Rugby Union has announced the appointment of Griquas coach Dawie Theron as the head coach of the SA Under-20 team for the next three years.
Theron brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him to the job having held the roles of head coach, assistant-coach, consultant and tour manager with the Griquas Currie Cup team and Cheetahs Super Rugby franchise respectively.
He replaces Eric Sauls in the position after the former coach failed to take a team past the semi-final stage of an IRB Under-20 World Championship in the last three years.
“I have really enjoyed my time with the Griquas, but this is a rare opportunity for a coach to lead a national rugby side such as the SA Under-20s,” said Theron.
“I am sure there will be challenges but that is what makes rugby so special. We have an unbelievable amount of talented youngsters playing the game in South Africa and I am looking forward to the opportunity to working with them.
“My first task will be to listen and speak to the various rugby structures at SARU and will then take my lead from them. I firmly believe that SARU have good structures in place and it is important that everyone is on the same page to ensure the success of our junior teams,” he added.
SARU followed a thorough recruitment process by advertising the post internally, shortlisting applicants according to minimum criteria of knowledge and experience and then conducting interviews through an independent selection panel.
Candidates who were successful in the interview process then underwent psychometric assessments and a final panel interview was held to assess the candidates on the presentation based on a case study they were given.
SARU CEO, Jurie Roux, congratulated Theron on his appointment. He said: “The SA Under-20 coaching position is a vital appointment in terms of SARU’s strategic vision for developing talented young players.
“We are pleased to have acquired a coach of his calibre and his record at Griquas is an indication of his ability to spot and nurture talent and to develop them into first class professional players,” added the SARU boss.
