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Rugby

Drotské out, Smith in

───   13:05 Fri, 08 May 2015

Drotské out, Smith in | News Article

Former Springbok flyhalf, Franco Smith has been appointed as the new Toyota Cheetahs Super Rugby coach from next year.

The appointment of Smith has put an end to speculations that current coach, Naka Drotské was about to be axed.
 
Today, Drotské announced that this season will be his last as coach of the side and will also be his last in any capacity at the franchise and Free State Rugby Union.
 
“It was a tough decision I’ve been involved in Free State rugby for a long time.
“Life is about opportunities and just as players and other coaches get opportunities at other places all over the world you’ll be stupid not to accept those.
 
“I had my share of time at Free State rugby and I really enjoyed it and I will still support them going forward,” said the incumbent coach.
 
Smith, who earlier in the week was named as the Free State Cheetahs Currie Cup coach, wished Drotské all the best with his future endeavours.
 
The man who lead the University of the Free State Shimlas to their first ever Varsity Cup last month said they will stick to the basics and traditions of the team, but bring in fresh ideas.
 
“It’s really an opportunity to maybe have a look at things from a different angle.
 
“The culture of Free State rugby is the most important thing going forward, therefore the assistant coaches were carefully selected so that the tradition and belief of Cheetahs rugby lives and goes forward from here on,” said the new man in charge.
 
Current forwards coach, Os du Randt has accepted a coaching job overseas, and for Cheetahs lock Corniel van Zyl will replace his from next year.
 
Smith will have full say over the coaching of both the Super Rugby and Currie Cup teams of the Toyota Cheetahs and Toyota Free State Cheetahs.  He will also be a member of Free State Rugby‘s Coaching- and Rugby Committees and will have the privilege to appoint his other assistant coaches and team management for the different competitions.
 
Franco is already an experienced coach and was part of the Cheetahs coaching and management team who won the Currie Cup in 2005 and 2006.  Franco has experience as a European coach with Treviso in Italy where he coached the team to three consecutive Italian championship victories and qualifying and participating in the Heineken Cup competition.
 
Morgan Piek / OFM Sport 

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