Dawie Theron appointed as SA Under-20 coach
The South African Rugby Union (SARU) on Wednesday announced the appointment of GWK Griquas coach Dawie Theron as the head coach of the SA Under-20 team for a term of three years.
Theron brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him to the job which he acquired in roles head coach, assistant-coach, consultant and tour manager with the GWK Griquas and Vodacom Cheetahs Super Rugby franchise respectively.
“I have really enjoyed my time with the GWK Griquas, but this is a rare opportunity for a coach to lead a national rugby side such as the SA Under-20s,” said Theron.
“I am sure there will be challenges but that is what makes rugby so special. We have an unbelievable amount of talented youngsters playing the game in South Africa and I am looking forward to the opportunity to working with them.
“My first task will be to listen and speak to the various rugby structures at SARU and will then take my lead from them. I firmly believe that SARU have good structures in place and it is important that everyone is on the same page to ensure the success of our junior teams.”
The following recruitment process was followed in appointing Theron:
- The job was advertised internally (SARU and the Provinces);
- A short-listing exercise was done where applicants’ experience and knowledge were assessed against the minimum criteria outlined in the job advertisement;
- An independent selection panel interviewed the shortlisted candidates using competency based interview questions;
- A Psychometric Assessment was done on those candidates who were successful in the interview process;
- A final panel interview was held to assess the candidates on the presentation based on a case study they were given.
SARU CEO, Jurie Roux, congratulated Theron on his appointment. He added that Theron will work closely with the national selectors to first identify and then prepare a group of players in preparation of the 2011 IRB Junior World Championships in Italy.
“The SA Under-20 coaching position is a vital appointment in terms SARU’s strategic vision for developing talented young players,” said Roux.
“We are pleased to have acquired a coach of his calibre and his record at Griquas is an indication of his ability to spot and nurture talent and to develop them into first class professional players.”
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