Is Pieter de Villiers set to make a return to international rugby?

Former Springbok coach Pieter de Villiers could be making a return in the international fold in a not too distant future, Sport24 reports.

Currently working with Zimbabwe’s Under-20 side, De Villiers has reportedly been interviewed for the position of head coach in their senior national team.

Zimbabwe are currently trying to book their place in Japan for the 2019 Rugby World Cup and, should he get the job, ensuring that they qualify would be top of his mandate.

“It would be an honour to coach Zimbabwe, but I’m anxiously waiting for the board’s decision and I believe they’ll make the right call. I remain a servant of the game and will always help where and when I can,” De Villiers told Afrikaans news website Network24.

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De Villiers took over the reins from the Boks’ 2007 Rugby World Cup winning coach Jake White in 2008 and, following an indifferent first year at the helm, he enjoyed success the following year beating the British and Irish Lions before losing just once, en-route to securing SA’s third Tri-Nations title.

The two following years in charge were a topsy-turvy affair and he was eventually relieved of his duties in 2011 following his side’s quarterfinal exit at the 2011 edition of the Rugby World Cup and remains the last Bok coach to defeat the All Blacks in their own backyard.

Following his departure from the national side, he worked as the University of the Western Cape’s director of rugby but left the post in 2015.

Should Zimbabwe qualify for Japan, they will fill the currently vacant “Africa 1” slot in the so-called “pool of death” featuring the world champion All Blacks, the Boks as well as Italy.

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