Rugby: White backs assistant to become Boks coach

CAPE TOWN - Departing South Africa rugby coach Jake White on Wednesday backed his assistant Allister Coetzee to become the first black Springbok coach.

White said he favoured Coetzee although he expected Heyneke Meyer - the only white contender on the four-man shortlist - to be named as his successor.

"I'd like to see Allister Coetzee get it," said White. "You can't say that would be a political appointment because he's been in the system for 10 years and he's proved himself.

"But I think Heyneke Meyer will get the job. And good luck to him."

White's successor will be named in January. A meeting of the council of provincial presidents will hear the recommendations of an appointments committee on January 9.

Coetzee was backs coach to the Springboks throughout White's four-year, World Cup-winning reign and also served as an assistant to Springbok coach Harry Viljoen in 2001.

Meyer coached the Pretoria-based Bulls to become the first South African side to win the Super 12/14 competition this year and claimed the domestic Currie Cup four times in five seasons.

The other candidates are South Africa Under-21 coach Peter de Villiers and 1995 World Cup-winning wing Chester Williams.

White's autobiography In Black and White has been a publishing sensation in South Africa. It has been reprinted after just three weeks on sale and was reported to be selling faster than did the final book in the Harry Potter series.

- REUTERS