Fourie du Preez has ruled himself out as a possible candidate to take over from John Mitchell as Bulls boss.
Mitchell is set to become England’s defence coach under head coach Eddie Jones.
Du Preez, Victor Matfield, Western Province coach John Dobson and Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse have all been named as potential replacements for Mitchell. But the former Springbok scrumhalf confirmed he has no plans to join the union in a managerial capacity, as he believes the Bulls’ current structure and culture are set up for failure.
‘At the moment, spending time with my family and living a balanced life is important to me. That and the fact that the current structures at the Bulls make it virtually impossible for the team to achieve any success,’ Du Preez told Rapport newspaper.
‘Over the last seven years, poor decision-making has seen the Bulls stagnate from one of the best teams to an average side and no one has taken responsibility for that decline. I can’t work like that and I won’t stand for it.
‘I feel sorry for the players who have to work in those circumstances and understand why there’s no loyalty towards the union from the same people.’
Despite voicing his concerns regarding the current situation at the union, Du Preez has endorsed his former teammate Matfield for the top job.
‘Victor has the insight and passion needed to take over such a demanding job. But it’ll become increasingly difficult for him to succeed as a coach if drastic changes to the union’s management structures are not made soon.’
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