New Eastern Province scrum coach Matt Proudfoot aims “to create a powerful pack of forwards” while working under Allister Coetzee.
Proudfoot has joined forces once again with his long-time coaching partner at the Stormers, Western Province, Kobelco Steelers and the Springboks.
Proudfoot was the Boks’ scrum coach under Rassie Erasmus when they won the 2019 World Cup before going on to perform a similar role for Eddie Jones’ England.
His last gig was as head coach of the Potchefstroom-based Leopards.
“I aim to create a powerful pack of forwards – that’s what I enjoy, and that’s where I’ll be throwing all my attention,” Proudfoot told The Herald.
“As a coach, you can either hunt trophies or be part of something bigger, and that’s what brought me here. EP’s president, the executive and Allister all want to put EP rugby back where it belongs.”
Proudfoot said the revival depends on investing in coaches and bringing home local talent.
“Boland have shown the recipe – get players back to your union and activate the greater rugby footprint in the area,” he said.
EP ended seventh on the 10-team SA Cup log this year and third on the six-team Currie Cup First Division log, losing to the Griffons in the semi-finals.
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Proudfoot also spoke fondly about his reunion with Coetzee.
“I’ve coached with Allister for 12 years with different teams. We had eight seasons together at the Stormers, two in Japan and two with the Boks.
“Allister is probably the man in world rugby I have the biggest respect for, and I think I’ve done my best work alongside him.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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