Swartbooi gets Boland job ahead of Div

Cape Town - Dewey Swartbooi has been appointed head coach of the Boland Cavaliers for the Currie Cup season, Netwerk24 reports.

Swartbooi, a former Boland, Bulls, Lions and Cats centre, will replace Abe Davids, who accepted a severance package following a long court battle with the union.

Die Son newspaper last week reported that former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers would get the job as Boland coach, but according to the newspaper, the Boland top brass had a change of heart and appointed Swartbooi instead.

According to a source at Die Son, De Villiers was a shoo-in for the job, but uncertainty at the embattled union led to a change in plans.

Swartbooi, who has been involved in coaching at Boland since 2012, will be assisted by Randall Modiba (backline coach) and Andries Human (forwards consultant).

Swartbooi's first assignment will be to lead Boland in the qualifying tournament for the Currie Cup Premier Division.

Boland, Griquas, Leopards, SWD Eagles, Griffons, Valke and Border will contest for a spot in the Currie Cup Premier Division, with the rest competing in the Currie Cup First Division.