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Cape Town - Former Springbok lock Victor Matfield appears to be a strong candidate for a coaching position at the Bulls.
Netwerk24 reported on Sunday that Matfield’s name is on the shortlist of candidates that has been finalised by the Bulls.
The Pretoria franchise is looking for a replacement for John Mitchell, who has left to undertake the role of England’s defence coach.
The report added that Matfield’s availability could count in his favour as all the other candidates are believed to be employed elsewhere.
Matfield is therefore the only candidate allowed to immediately conduct an interview with the Bulls - the others first need permission from their employers in accordance with World Rugby’s regulations.
The other candidates seemingly also on the Bulls’ radar include Deon Davids (Southern Kings), Johan Ackermann, (Gloucester) and Johann van Graan (Munster).
A report last week indicated that the Bulls were considering the appointment of both a director of rugby and a head coach.
Mitchell performed both the head coaching and director of rugby duties at the Bulls but according to the new proposed plans, the head coach would focus on coaching the Super Rugby team, with the director of rugby playing a role across all levels at the union.
The committee to decide on the Bulls coaching roles consists of Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, chairperson of the Blue Bulls coaching association Blikkies Groenewald, outgoing CEO Barend van Graan and former Western Province coach Alan Zondagh.
Meanwhile, Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse was earlier also linked to the Bulls job but he has since publicly made himself unavailable, while Blue Bulls Currie Cup coach Pote Human has also put his hand up for the Super Rugby job.
