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Process under way to keep Powell as coach

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Neil Powell
Neil Powell

Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell might be keeping the Blitsbok job next season.

According to the SA Rugby Union (Saru), negotiations to convince Powell and a group of other Blitsbokke to remain in the Sevens set-up have already commenced. The coach hasn’t put pen to paper yet, but told City Press’ sister newspaper Rapport in a recent interview that he would like to remain in the post if that opportunity presented itself.

Earlier, it was reported that Canada’s Sevens team were interested in Powell and Marius Schoeman’s coaching services, but Powell has confirmed that, after three seasons as coach of the Blitsbokke, he still has goals he wants to achieve with the team.

And now that the ball is rolling to retain Powell’s services, the coach can shift his focus to the Olympic Games, where the Blitsbokke, as part of Team SA, hope to bring a gold medal home.

“There are discussions with SA Rugby, so the process is already under way. But I haven’t signed yet,” Powell said about his future.

“The three seasons that I’ve had have been wonderful and I’m not talking about the achievements, but the fact that I could be part of the system and work with the guys. I think you can really count the number of times there have been bad days on the fingers of one hand.”

Powell also confirmed that a bunch of players would stay with the Sevens, although some were committing themselves to the 15-man code, hoping to take to the field for the Springboks.

“We’re proceeding as if we’re still going to be here next year, we’re currently contracting the guys. That process has begun and some of them have already received offers and are signed up. But there are still a few players that we want to confirm for the next couple of years.”

Seabelo Senatla and Kwagga Smith are two of the players who will probably concentrate on the 15s game. Senatla and Smith will, respectively, be playing for the Western Cape and the Golden Lions in this year’s Curry Cup.

Senatla is also a strong contender for a spot in the Springbok team during the Rugby Championship in August.

Next year, Super Rugby may also be on the cards for both players.

The other two Sevens players who also have their eye on the longer game is winger Werner Kok and loose forward Tim Agaba. Earlier, Agaba indicated that he would be comfortable playing Sevens for another season or two, but that he definitely intended to pursue the 15-man game.

The SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee will on Thursday announce the 14-man squad that will go to the Sevens tournament at the Olympic Games next month.

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