Os du Randt
Naka Drotske
The Toyota Cheetahs will bid an early farewell to long-standing coaches Naka Drotské and Os du Randt.
It was confirmed last week that Franco Smith would take over as head coach of the struggling Cheetahs franchise next season.
However, he will take over from Drotské in a couple of weeks.
Drotské and Du Randt were to have seen out the remainder of the season, but on Tuesday it was revealed they will depart early.
Du Randt, a 2-times World Cup winner as a player, accepted a “very exciting” opportunity to coach abroad.
He will also act as an ambassador for the Cheetahs.
In a statement on Tuesday the Cheetahs confirmed that Du Randt will depart the franchise during the 1st week of June.
The details of his new position will be revealed at a media briefing at the Free State Stadium, in Bloemfontein, on Saturday.
The Cheetahs host the Lions in what will be Du Randt’s final home game before his departure.
As a result of Du Rand’s early departure, Drotské has also requested an early release.
Both Du Rand and Drotské will be in charge for the last time when the Toyota Cheetahs face the DHL Stormers in Cape Town on 30 May.
Drotské insisted that he wanted to depart with Du Randt, instead of continuing without his complete coaching team.
Drotské was blamed for a lack of results at the end of the 2014 Super Rugby season, when backline coach Hawies Fourie and a number if players were released to ensure Griquas qualify for the Currie Cup competition.
The lack of depth severely impacted on the Cheetahs team and the results suffered.
Drotské was not willing to continue without half his coaching staff and a team that is already severely depleted.
The Cheetahs’ board of directors said they have “full understanding” for Drotské’s position and agreed to his request for an early release.
Franco Smith and his coaching team will take the reins for the remainder of the Super Rugby matches – against the Waratahs in Bloemfontein (6 June) and the Bulls in Pretoria (a week later).
It will be a good opportunity for the new coaching staff to start working with the players.
It has been confirmed that, for now, Hawies Fourie will stay on as backline coach until the end of the Super Rugby competition.
However, the rider is that he could leave if he comes to an agreement with Smith.
When he departs Fourie will re-join Griquas as head coach for the Currie Cup season.
rugby365