The Dutch rugby team has appointed Dick Muir as interim national coach on Thursday. The 57-year-old South African had recently become national coach of Russia, but was open to other options “due to the current international situation”.
Because the Russian rugby players are not allowed to play international matches for the time being due to the war in Ukraine, Muir has had his contract terminated.
“In the past few weeks I was able to get acquainted with Rugby Netherlands,” says Muir. “I hope to make a positive contribution to their sporting ambitions.” For the time being, Muir is interim national coach, but a permanent contract is also an option.
The Dutch rugby union has the ambition to participate with the Orange in the 2027 World Cup in Australia. The union has mapped out a route for this and calls the appointment of the chastened Muir a “very important milestone”. “With Muir, the Netherlands is attracting a coach with an impressive resume and a lot of experience in the absolute top of rugby.”
Muir was, among other things, assistant coach of the national team, which became world champion for the third time in 2019.