Treu takes up coaching role at Western Province Union

Nairobi, Kenya: Former Kenya Sevens head coach Paul Treu has joined Western Province Rugby Union's technical bench.

This is just a four days after he resigned from his job in Kenya. His departure has set the stage for a search for his successor in Kenya kicks-off.

The 43-year-old South African has been named as a member of WP coaching staff. Treu, a former South African coach and player, resigned as the Kenya team coach following a string of poor results in the first three rounds of the 2014/15 World Series.

Treu had endured a torrid in the dugout since succeeding Englishman and current US coach Mike Friday in October 2013 before he bowed to pressure and finally resigned after the recent Port Elizabeth leg (where Kenya finished with seven points after losing the Bowl final 4-24 to Canada) citing unfavourable working conditions within the Kenya Rugby Union board.

In an interview with Feverpitch, KRU chairman Mwangi Muthee said they will release an official statement regarding the former Blitzboks coach replacement after Tuesday's meeting. However, he wished Treu the best in his future assignments.

"We've accepted Treu's resignation and just like Mike (Friday) Kenya didn't block him. He's now doing a perfect job in US. As far as I am concerned, Treu is a qualified coach and I am pretty sure he'll succeed at his new work place. I wish him all the best," said Muthee.

"There are a number of high profile coaches locally and internationally who've already expressed their interest for the job. But we are not in a hurry to replace him and Kenyans must be patient. All the same we will give guidance where we are heading after today's (Tuesday) meeting."

Treu has been warmly welcomed at his native's side WP with its Director of Rugby Gert Smal backing him to succeed.

"Paul brings with him plenty of big-game experience and he will add a lot to the already successful and well-balanced coaching set-ups at Western Province," Smal told Sport24.co.za website.

"Whilst his recent coaching experience is at Sevens level, Paul has been looking to get back into fifteen-a-side coaching and this is a great opportunity to use his expertise and, at the same time, blood him back into 15s."