The South African Rugby Union confirmed its full support for the current Springbok coaching team on Friday and said planning was underway for the end-of-year tour.

Head coach Peter de Villiers and assistant coaches Dick Muir and Gary Gold met SARU president, Mr Oregan Hoskins, in Durban on Thursday evening.

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“Recent speculation has obviously been unsettling for all three coaches,” said Mr Hoskins. “We frankly discussed operational issues and the team performance but I am very upbeat about the outcomes and the way forward.

“It is our intention to seek the input of consultants at some point in the future – we saw what value Eddie Jones brought to an established coaching team in 2007. I discussed the principle with all three coaches and they are fully supportive.

“But I am happy to end all speculation by confirming that the coaching team remains unchanged.”

Mr Hoskins said that results in the Vodacom Tri-Nations had given the review committee serious cause for concern and explanations had been sought.

“All aspects of preparation and performance have been reviewed and nobody needs to explain the expectations of South African rugby supporters for the Springbok team,” he said.

“Improvements in results have to be made and the coaching staff is aware of that. But memories are short; a year ago this same group of players and coaches were No 1 in the world and the head coach was named as coach of the year by the South African rugby media.

“We continue to back them and look forward to a successful end of year tour.”

Mr Hoskins confirmed that the rest of the management team remained unchanged although SARU Communications Manager, Andy Colquhoun, will travel with the team on the end of year tour to manage media matters.

The Springboks play the first of four tests against Ireland in Dublin on November 6. They also play Wales (November 13), Scotland (November 20) and England (November 27) before concluding with a match against the Barbarians at Twickenham on December 4.