Manu Samoa Coach Vaeluagaomatagi Steve Jackson has confirmed he has turned down an offer to coach with the Southern Kings rugby club in South Africa.

Vaeluaga was recently approached with an informal offer to be head coach of the former Super Rugby team. He revealed today he has declined them, saying he has to consider his family.

Earlier this month he said he had to consider his future for after the Rugby World Cup (R.W.C) and the end of his contract.

But today Vaeluaga said he told the playing team before their recent match against the United States he would not be accepting the Southern Kings offer.

The South African club wanted him to be available after the R.W.C, but it seems Vaeluaga wants to keep his options open to staying with Samoa.

“I have got to make the right decisions based on what I think is best for myself and my family. But as I said to the playing group I don’t know what is going to happen after the Rugby World Cup,” he said.

“My heart and soul is in Samoa at the moment, and I would love to be part of this union for a wee time, but obviously results as a head coach, that speaks for itself.

“We will see what happens after R.W.C.”

The former Blues coaching assistant was approached eight weeks ago, and informed Samoa Rugby Union of the offer. He said the Union has been “extremely supportive” of his World Cup campaign.

“You have got to believe in yourself as a coach, and I do,” Vaeluaga aid.

“I have got to do the best job I possibly can for R.W.C and make sure we are successful there, and then things will take care of themselves.

“I believe in this group and where Samoa rugby can go. We will just wait and see what happens.”

The team's manager, Va'aelua Aloi Alesana, said the rest of the management team feels the same.

“The same goes for us as well,” he said.

“We will focus on R.W.C and obviously we want to be around for another ten more years, hopefully.”



