This happened a few days ago but I was ASTOUNDED yesterday to learn that some people were not aware.

Well look alive people, because silver fox and 2oceansvibe character The Outside Centre (Rob Fleck) has been made the new backline coach for Western Province.

“The Outside Centre” – Rob Fleck.
A bona-fide beaut.

Enjoy it:

Western Province Rugby confirmed on Friday that former Stormers and Springbok centre Robbie Fleck will join the management of the WP Currie Cup team as senior backline coach.

“I’m very excited to be back in the Western Province set up and working with the coaches and athletes again,” Fleck said on Friday.

“Province and the Blue and White Hoops have always been part of me and I am looking forward to making a contribution,” commented Fleck

Rob Wagner, Managing Director of WP Rugby (Pty) Ltd confirmed that Fleck would take charge of the backs, whilst Matthew Proudfoot would be in charge of the forwards.

Allister Coetzee, who took over from Springbok assistant coach Gary Gold as head coach of the WP team in 2008, will remain head coach of the Province side.

Rassie Erasmus remains Senior Professional Coach of the Province and head coach of the Stormers, and the decision to bring Fleck on board was done in consultation with both Erasmus and Coetzee. Erasmus will however not be involved in actively coaching the Province team.

Proudfoot has been with WP Rugby at the team’s High Performance Centre since the beginning of the year, giving him an opportunity to get to know the players at both senior and junior level, as well as be involved in the coaching structures.

Fleck earned his stripes as player for the Province, playing in 56 matches in the Blue and White Hoops and 49 matches for the Stormers in the Super 14. He was vice-captain of the Springboks on several occasions, tasked with marshalling the backline, and earned 31 Test caps playing in the Green and Gold.

[more here]

“Blue and white hoops”

“Green and gold”

My goodness, whoever wrote that article (God only knows as it’s registered as Touchline on SARugby’s site and “powered by 365” on iafrica) was really having a field day with the clichés.

Are you sure no one should have “stepped up to the plate” or “put their hand up” as well?

Nonetheless… well done, Rob. We’re all very proud of you.

Remember, that you can follow Rob on Twitter by clicking here. I’m kidding, He’s not on Twitter. Did you really think he was on Twitter? Don’t be silly. Skinstad is (here). Fleck is not.

aah yes – it’s all going according to plan. As we quietly edge towards the zenith of all of our lives – having a mate coaching the Springboks. Aah, it will be too funny. Our own little gravy train. then we’ll ALL be living the holiday! I’ve got dibs on whatever seven-figure-salary “communications manager” position we can dream up.