CAPE TOWN – Stormers coach Robbie Fleck has reportedly been in talks with the Ospreys to take up the role of head coach.
According to Wales Online, Fleck – who took charge of the Stormers in 2015 following Eddie Jones’ departure after only two weeks with the Cape franchise – is on the Welsh club’s shortlist to take over from Steve Tandy, who left the club in January after six years as head coach.
Fleck has reportedly not agreed any deals with the Ospreys yet, who are also talking to “at least two other candidates” for the position at the Liberty Stadium.
But it is reported that the Stormers chief has made “a significant impression, but has not yet agreed to relocate to South Wales”.
Wales Under-20 coach Jason Strange is also reported to be among the candidates to succeed Tandy.
The 42-year-old Fleck – who is contracted to the Stormers until 2019 – first joined the Western Province set-up in 2009 as a backline coach from UCT, and he was added to the Stormers management in 2010 as part of Allister Coetzee’s team.
In response to the reports linking Fleck to the Ospreys, Stormers management said on Monday: “Robbie Fleck is currently in the second year of a three-year contract, which runs until the end of the 2019 season.
“Fleck has been approached by various clubs in the United Kingdom, but remains under contract with the Stormers.
“The Stormers mentor is fully focused on the current Australasian tour, which will see his team take on defending Super Rugby champions the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.”
The former centre played 31 Tests for the Springboks.
* This story has been updated.