By Jason Harris (filed: 7/8/03)
August 7 2003

Saracens are very close to naming the Head Coach to replace Wayne Shelford who left the club in June after he led Saracens through another disappointing season. Several names have been linked with the job since the former All Black departed.

ACT Brumbies assistant and Australia under 21 coach Laurie Fisher was offered the post, but decided to remain in Canberra to pursue his dream of taking the head job at the Brumbies.

Ex-Wallabies mentor Rod MacQueen was also mentioned in the media but he rubbished the speculation, insisting that his swansong was the 2001 Lions tour and that all his time will be taken up with his many business interestes.

Earlier this week former Connacht coach Steph Nel was mentioned in the press as a likely candidate and Peter Thorburn who has recently parted company with Bristol is yet another name.

Saracens have been under the supervision of Rod Kafer since Shelford's departure, but his is the one name that has not been talked about in recent weeks. Whether Saracens will give him the job on a permanent basis is open to question, however, as many fans will think that he is lacking in coaching experience. Kafer's only previous coaching appointment was at Leicester where he combined playing in the centre with working as the Tigers' backs coach.

An announcement on the official Saracens web site on Thursday morning said that the identity of the new coach will be made public by the end of the afternoon.