Former Pumas and EP Currie Cup coach Brent Janse van Rensburg could be on his way back to Port Elizabeth to take on the high-profile job of EP Rugby Union general manager.
It has emerged that Janse van Rensburg, who is highly rated in coaching circles, is on a shortlist of five candidates for the position.
He left the Pumas earlier in August after leading the team to victory in the SuperSport Rugby Challenge.
Before coaching the Pumas, he was EP Currie Cup head coach in 2015, taking over from New Zealander Carlos Spencer.
“The names of the other candidates are still confidential and I was upset when Brent’s name leaked out,” EP president Andre Rademan said.
“Brent is on a shortlist of five candidates and these names still have to be endorsed by the executive.
“Once the candidates have been endorsed the interview process will start.”
There will be no coaching involved in the general manager’s position, which is an administrative post.
During his time as Kings head coach, Janse Van Rensburg was rated as a shrewd tactician who got the best out of his players.
Since he left the Pumas, he has also been linked to a position at Paarl Boys High.
It was announced this week that the Pumas had parted ways with him, with Jimmy Stonehouse taking the reins before the Currie Cup season.
“We regret to be losing the use of Brent’s services,” Pumas chief executive Pieter Burger said.
“Brent has made a big contribution towards the Pumas’ success and the improvements made thus far.
“He wishes to explore other opportunities regarding his future, which we respect.”
Janse van Rensburg said: “I thank the Pumas for the opportunity provided to me.
“The team is in a good space currently and the time is fitting now for me to consider other opportunities and decide upon them in the near future.
“There are a lot of systems that have been put in place with the team, continuity in the group, which they should take into the Currie Cup.
“I certainly am excited and positive about the potential of this team, what they can achieve and also the potential of the union.”
The new general manager of EP Rugby will have to perform the following functions:
Oversee the development department in all aspects, including adhering to administratively sound development procedures;
Revise existing structures within the development department, and introduce new procedures and policies in collaboration with the executive;
Ensure sound procedures are in place and followed, and ensure discipline;
Manage the EPRU development programme;
Liaise with club affairs, regarding all matters relating to clubs, ensuring that necessary policies and procedures are followed;
Assist the executive in the day-to-day tasks of club affairs and development as well as operational and legal matters of the EPRU; and
Support all sub-committees of the executive of EPRU to drive the vision of the union.