After taking charge of the Southern Kings in a combined total of 59 Super Rugby and Guinness PRO14 matches, head coach Deon Davids could be parting ways with the Port Elizabeth franchise. The Bulls confirmed on Monday that the highly rated Davids was on a shortlist of three to coach their Super Rugby team in 2019.
One of Davids’s biggest Super Rugby triumphs came in 2017 when he guided his young Kings team to a famous 31-30 win over the Bulls in Pretoria.
The other candidates are former Bok and Bulls lock Victor Matfield and Bulls Super Rugby forwards coach and Currie Cup head coach Pote Human.
News that Davids is on a shortlist to coach the Bulls comes just five days before his team’s PRO 14 clash against Irish side Connacht at the Madibaz Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Sunday. Kings fans will be hoping this latest development does not destabilize a team that has managed to win only one of their opening eight matches.
In a statement, the Bulls said: “Following the 94th annual board meeting of Blue Bulls Company, and after weeks of speculation in the media, the Bulls have reached a decision on a shortlist of candidates for the position of Super Rugby head coach.
“This follows weeks of consultation led by a recommendation panel that acted in an advisory role to the board.
“The board was ultimately responsible for narrowing down the shortlist after a thorough and well-researched process, and will also be responsible for the final appointment.
“The final round of interviews will be held in the next few weeks, with details regarding the appointment being made public shortly thereafter.
“In respect of the process and those involved, the Bulls will make no further comments until that point.”
The Kings confirmed that a process of engagement between the Blue Bulls Company and Davids had taken place.
In a statement, the Kings said: “While the Kings have learnt via media reports that Davids has been shortlisted for the position, there has been no official communication to the franchise to this effect.
“He remains the head coach of the side and is taking charge of the team in their preparations for their upcoming match.
“Davids remains contracted to the Kings until the end of June 2020, and has stressed his commitment to the franchise even through the ongoing process of engagement with the Blue Bulls Company.
“Should the Blue Bulls Company wish to make a formal offer for the services of the head coach, such a proposition will need to be presented to the Kings board for consideration.”
The Kings said they would not provide additional comment on the matter until further communication between the parties was received and formal discussions took place.