Frans Ludeke
Former Vodacom Bulls head coach Frans Ludeke could be heading to the World Cup in England in September as part of the Fijian coaching staff.
The 47-year-old stepped down as the Bulls’ head coach in June and is set to be heading to the Pacific Island where he will link up with the Fijians as they begin preparations for the global showpiece.
World-Cup winning Springbok lock Victor Matfield, who is eyeing the Bulls coaching job, revealed that Ludeke was off to Fiji to help the Islanders in the World Cup.
“It’s always sad to see someone go but sometimes the time for change comes. I’ve learned so much from Frans and there are so many players who also learned a lot from him during the 8 seasons with the Bulls.
“I think he’s going to Fiji to help them with the World Cup and I wish him success with that as well,” Matfield said.
If the reports are true, Ludeke – who won 2 Super Rugby titles, the 1st in 2009 – could be teaming up with flying Fijian Tabai Matson and head coach John McKee.
Sources close the Fijian Rugby Union confirmed the report as ‘true’ but a press statement will confirm the appointment later this week.
Fiji plays England in the opening World Cup match on 18 September at Twickenham and are drawn in a tough pool alongside Australia, Wales and Uruguay.
rugby365
It will be interesting to see just how long it will take him to coach the flair and instinct to play running rugby out of them.
Can see Ndolo returning to the Crusaders next year and kicking one up and under after each other every time he gets the ball
Sterkte Frans
Flok, I think the Fijian players are going to teach Frans a few skills, not the other way round!!
Maybe Frans is exactly the right fit at Fiji… as they have to tone down the demonstrative rugby and play more conservative and structured rugby, to succeed in the bigger international fold!
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