Stormers name Fleck as Super Rugby coach

Dec 12, 2015 - 8:17 AM South African team the Stormers have named Robbie Fleck as head coach for the 2016 Super Rugby season.

The 40-year-old, an assistant coach for the franchise since 2010, had been acting as coaching coordinator since last month's departure of Australian coach Eddie Jones to the England national role.

"Western Province (WP) director of rugby Gert Smal has done a thorough investigation into all available and interested coaches for the position. Robbie Fleck is a Western Province man through and through," WP president Thelo Wakefield said on Saturday in a statement.

"He understands the environment having had extensive experience as an assistant coach at Super Rugby level and as a former WP, Stormers and Springbok player.

"In addition, he showed his mettle as a head coach this year, dominating the Currie Cup under-21 competition. He deserves his opportunity and we are proud to be able to grow one of our own."

Smal said the union would reassess Fleck's position after the 2016 Super Rugby season.

"As a Province man, it's a massive honour and a privilege," Fleck said. "I'm really appreciative of the faith shown in me and, in conjunction with all my colleagues, will continue to prepare the squad on the path chosen."

The former centre played 31 Tests for South Africa from 1999-2002, and also had a spell in English rugby at Bath.

Source: AAP