Rory Duncan to join Worcester Warriors as Head Coach
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Worcester Warriors have today announced that Rory Duncan will join the Club as Head Coach this summer.
The 40-year-old is currently Head Coach of Guinness Pro 14 side the Cheetahs and will make the move to Sixways when his contract finishes at the end of the season.
During the current campaign Duncan has led the Cheetahs to third position in Conference A of the Pro 14 after eight wins from their opening 13 games.
The former lock originally made the move into coaching in 2012 and joined the Free State Cheetahs in 2014 to coach their Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup teams.
He took on his current role last summer, where he also oversees the side in South Africa’s domestic Currie Cup competition.
Warriors boss Solomons said: “Rory was my captain at the Eastern Province Kings, where he showed outstanding leadership qualities and a clear ability to develop as a coach.
“When he retired at the end of the season I was able to assist him in his transition to coaching and we have remained in touch.
“As expected he has turned out to be an outstanding coach and I had no hesitation in appointing him to the Head Coach position at Warriors, an appointment which has been endorsed by our Chairman Bill Bolsover.
“I look forward to working with Rory at Sixways, where I know he will add huge value.”
Warriors Chairman Bill Bolsover said: “Our focus must be on building long-term continuity and Rory is someone who can come to the Club and become a key part of our future. I look forward to welcoming him to Sixways in the summer.”
Duncan said: “I am immensely excited about the challenge of moving to Warriors and linking up with Alan Solomons once again.
“Warriors are a Club with huge potential, which is clear for everyone to see, and I will be working hard with Alan and the rest of the coaching staff to help the Club move forward.”
Franco Smith coach Toyota Cheetahs again
Franco Smith has decided to return full time to the Toyota Cheetahs and not to accept an offer to remain on the Springbok coaching staff. He will be staying on as Director of Rugby and Head Coach of the Toyota Cheetahs for the next two seasons. Smith will be replacing Rory Duncan who will be leaving for Worcester Warriors after the 2017/2018 Guinness PRO14 campaign.
“Free State Rugby had long interviews and discussions about the situation and the process was completed in good spirit,” said Harold Verster, Managing Director of the Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd. “Free State Rugby is excited and thankful that Franco made the decision to stay. His rugby expertise and coaching ability is invaluable to the Toyota Cheetahs.”
