DICK Muir, capped at centre by the Springboks in the nineties and one of South Africa's most promising young coaches, has arrived at Rodney Parade to help coach Newport's backs.

Current coach Ian McIntosh has brought Muir, pictured, back with him from a break at his South Africa home and has a high regard for his ability.

Muir, who is 36, will be at Newport this week and next both to help out and to observe.

"Dick is a great bloke and was a great player until injury forced him to retire," said McIntosh.

"I coached him as a player for years, he should have got more caps. Now he's doing well as a coach. He came over with me to help with the Newport backline. I have asked him to work with the backs and do a bit of coaching here."

McIntosh's long-term future at Newport is uncertain, and though Tony Brown and the players want him to stay that is unlikely.

For personal reasons, family and heavy pressures at a time when he had retired after a distinguished career, McIntosh is not expected to remain for a second year at Newport.

But it is just possible that some kind of compromise deal could be worked out involving McIntosh being with the club part of the time next season.

Muir is coaching the Tukkies in South Africa, the Afrikaaner University side at Pretoria.

He was assistant coach of leading side, the Cats, and last season coached Johannesburg side the Pirates to the South African club championship title.

He won five caps as a player and was a member of the side which beat England and France.

He was an inside centre and helped Natal Sharks win three Currie Cup trophies before moving on to Western Stormers and helping them with the cup as well. Injury cut short his playing career and he turned to coaching.