Former Eastern Province, Western Province and Springbok prop Garry Pagel may be the man to revive Eastern Province's flagging fortunes.
EP coach Allister Coetzee confirmed on Wednesday that Pagel had been approached to serve as technical adviser to the provincial senior team, and would meet with officials next week to discuss finer details of his contract.
Pagel, who now farms in the Adelaide district, is expected to take over from former Springbok coach Nelie Smith, who moved to Cape Town at the end of last year after his contract had expired.
The 36-year-old farmer played 23 matches for Eastern Province and made his Springbok debut in the 1995 World Cup opening match against Australia.
He went on to play five tests for South Africa.
Pagel's vast experience of tight forward play should benefit the province tremendously. - Sapa