“I will be reduced to a ceremonial coach,”

Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee is going down swinging after launching a scathing attack on South Africa Rugby and new Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus in an astonishing, explosive letter addressed to CEO Jurie Roux.

In it he blames almost everyone involved in South African rugby except himself for the Springboks’ poor performances over the last two years. Under Coetzee the national side have won just 11 of 25 matches played.

The incredible letter is in the hands of TimesLIVE, and is addressed to Roux, from Coetzee via his legal team. SA Rugby have confirmed the letter is real, but would not comment.

Coetzee and Roux apparently met on January 18 where he was told his contract would be terminated. He was offered a ‘ceremonial’ role as Bok coach with Erasmus actually in charge‚ which he claimed would infringe his rights to “dignity” and equality.

“And‚ should I wish to remain in SARU’s employment‚ I will be reduced to a ceremonial coach‚ and further that Johan Erasmus (‘Rassie’) has already been employed to replace me and is already performing the duties of the Springbok Coach. Should I be reduced to the position of a ceremonial coach I would have to face the indignity of reporting to Rassie.

“I also find it deeply reprehensible that‚ notwithstanding the fact that I have at all relevant times displayed the utmost good faith towards SARU‚ SARU has not‚ as a minimum‚ returned the favour.

“In any event‚ SARU is contractually obliged to exercise utmost good faith towards me. The fact that a decision has been made that I will be reduced to a ceremonial coach should I resist any attempt by SARU to terminate my services does not only constitute an unfair labour practice but again infringes my right to dignity and equality.”

Coetzee has not been formally sacked‚ but this letter appears to confirm that he will be. You can read the letter it in its entirety here.