Contract news: Former World Cup-winning Springbok assistant coach Matthew Craig-Proudfoot's coaching journey has come full circle.
Contrary to the vulgar adage that “a leopard never changes its place,” Proudfoot has a new job.
Leopards Rugby Union chief executive Eugene Hooley confirmed that Proudfoot, 52, has been appointed Leopards head coach until December, with an option to renew for a further two years.
His assistant is Freddie Ngoza.
“We are very excited about his arrival,” Hooley said. @rugby365comWhen asked about the promise.
“Matt started his term yesterday. [Monday]” added the CEO.
“His international experience will be of great benefit to Leopard, not only to the first team, but also to the state as a whole.
“Matt is a highly motivated individual and we are confident he will put the right structure in place to ensure Leopards are successful on the playing field.”
Proudfoot came to Potchefstroom nearly 20 years ago after starting his coaching career as an assistant at North West University.
He then moved to Western Province and the Stormers (forwards coach) before moving to Japan's Steelers before rejoining the national team in 2016 under then-Springbok coach Alistair Coetzee.
He stayed on after Rassie Erasmus took over in 2018, supporting the Boks as forwards coach during their 2019 World Cup winning campaign in Japan.
He joined Eddie Jones as England forwards coach in 2020, but moved on in 2022 when Jones was given his marching orders.
Proudfoot then worked as a 'consultant head coach' for Meitis at Stellenbosch University before joining Coetzee again, this time as forwards coach for the Namibian team at the France World Cup.
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