Stick to take charge of SA ‘A’ team for UK Tour
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick will take charge of the SA ‘A’ team for their two matches in the UK against Munster and the Bristol Bears in November.
The coaching team also features SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and three assistant coaches.
Junior Springbok coach Bafana Nhleko, Sharks coach Joey Mongalo and Griquas scrum coach Wian du Preez will assist Stick, while Erasmus will oversee the coaching.
The SA ‘A’ team will face Munster on Thursday, 10 November, and the Bristol Bears a week later on 17 November.
With the Springboks in action against Ireland on Saturday 5 November, France on 12 November, Italy on 19 November and England on 26 November on the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour, Erasmus and Stick will split their duties between the two teams.
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Erasmus said while winning the Springbok Test matches was the top priority, the SA ‘A’ team played an equally important role in player and coach development as the Boks gear up for the Rugby World Cup in France next year.
“The SA ‘A’ matches will have multiple benefits for SA Rugby as it will open the door for some of our top up-and-coming coaches to be exposed to high-level rugby at senior level in a national team set-up, while at the same time allowing us to continue building our player base as look ahead to the Rugby World Cup,” said Erasmus.
“The closest one can get to playing for the Springboks is the SA ‘A’ team, and we believe these matches will give us a good idea of the coaches and young players within our ranks as well as offering some experienced players the opportunity to return from injury and get back to form as they contest for places with an eye on Rugby World Cup spots.”
The Springbok and SA ‘A’ squads will be announced within the next three weeks.
