World Cup-winning Springboks prop exits Top 14 giants following disappointing season
World Cup-winning Springbok prop exits Top 14 club following disappointing season
Former Springboks prop Gurthro Steenkamp has exited the La Rochelle camp after four years as an assistant coach.
This announcement comes after La Rochelle failed to reach the Top 14 play-offs this season, finishing in seventh place.
Typically Champions Cup contenders, the French outfit also failed to make it to the quarter-finals of this year’s edition after being knocked out in the round of 16 by Munster.
Steenkamp exit
With over half a century of caps for the Springboks and almost 150 appearances in France for Stade Francais and Toulouse, Steenkamp was the perfect addition to the La Rochelle coaching set-up when he joined under head coach Ronan O’Gara in 2021.
During his time on the French west coast, Steenkamp helped create a strong La Rochelle scrum, which would provide the foundation for their attack over the past four years.
Their recent form could not be ignored, however, with the 44-year-old exiting the club by mutual agreement. He said on his social media: “After deep reflection and discussions with the club, we mutually agreed that it is time for me to leave Stade Rochelais in order to focus on my personal journey and coaching vision.
“I want to thank the club, the staff, the players, the partners and of course the incredible supporters for the past four years. We experienced great moments together and also went through tougher times, and I’m grateful for all of it.
“As a coach, I aspire to be the best I can be and to take on more responsibility. It’s important for me to focus on my development and growth to have a stronger impact on the field. That’s the kind of player I was, and it’s the kind of coach I want to become.”
La Rochelle also released a statement, saying: “By mutual agreement, the club and Gurthro Steenkamp have decided to end their collaboration. Stade Rochelais would like to warmly thank Gurthro for his commitment and work over these past four seasons. We wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career, on and off the field.”
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Fan reactions
Supporters have been disappointed to see the Paarl-born coach go, with one fan saying: “Never really rated him as a technical scrummager when playing, but he appeared to do a good job with the La Rochelle scrum.”
Another added: “Gave a few scrummaging seminars in Belgium a few years back, friendly guy and brought on some really helpful tips & tricks etc.”
One person suggested that a return to South Africa may be on the cards if he doesn’t find his way back to Toulouse: “Watched him on Behind the Ruck a couple of weeks back. His family all live in Toulouse so he was commuting. Wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up there or even makes a return to coaching in SA. Sounds like he is enjoying his coaching though.”