Former Blue Bulls coach Meyer keen on Ireland job

IRFU OFFICIALS have made no formal contact with former Blue Bulls coach, Heyneke Meyer, who has expressed a strong interest in becoming the next Ireland head coach.

Meyer became the first South African to lead a Super 14 franchise to the title last year and was favourite to land the Springboks job following Jake White’s decision to step down from the position after leading South Africa to World Cup success last October. However, Peter de Villiers was appointed in controversial circumstances.

Meyer subsequently left rugby but his agent yesterday indicated that, as Meyer’s representative, he has initiated contact with IRFU chief executive Philip Browne but has not yet received a return call from the offices at 62 Lansdowne Road.

“I left a message with Philip Browne last Friday. I want to chat with him and establish if there is any interest but he hasn’t phoned me back.

“I’m not aware of the IRFU making any contact with Heyneke directly because Heyneke would have told me if that was so.”

According to Meyer’s representative, the former Bulls supremo will only return to rugby at international level. He left the Bulls franchise to spend more time with his family, but it appears he became disillusioned with the politics around Bok rugby after being overlooked for the top job.

Meyer is currently working for the sports nutrition company, USN, in his native Pretoria. “Heyneke is in business. He is not involved in rugby at the moment which allows him spend more time with his family,” said agent, Jason Smith last night.

“However I think he would consider the Ireland job. An international job is one of the few that is different to a provincial position. He left the provincial set-up to spend more time with his family.

“If an international job became available it’s one of the options he would consider. He has no interest in getting back into rugby other than to work at international level. I definitely think he would consider the Irish job if he was approached.

Some reports suggested that Meyer would enthusiastically embrace the vacant Ireland job if it became available.

Meyer is reported to have said: “It would be an honour if Ireland approached me. I believe Ireland can go places. I really thought they would have a great World Cup. If I accept a position, it will be a national side. I don’t want to sound arrogant but I have very simple tastes, and that is to surround myself with the best people. I don’t believe in second best.”

The three-man selection committee is already more than a week into the process of appointing Eddie O’Sullivan’s replacement, but has yet to be make formal contact with the clear favourite, Munster’s Declan Kidney.

However it is understood that the IRFU would prefer the new coach to be in situ for the tour to New Zealand and Australia at the beginning of June.