Japanese club Canon Eagles confirmed that Allister Coetzee has left his role as head coach after being appointed in 2018, former Suntory Sungoliath coach Keisuke Sawaki will reportedly take over as head coach at the Eagles.
Barend Pieterse, the assistant coach, was one of three other South Africans whose contract was also terminated. Nine players including the two South Africans players, Fred Zeilinga and Rynier Bernardo also left the club.
Coetzee's record at the Canon Eagles did not impress as they finished 12th in the 16-team Top League tournament in the 2018/2019 season. Before the 2019/2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canon Eagles was sitting in ninth spot.