Allister Coetzee appointed as South Africa head coach - Ruck

Allister Coetzee appointed as South Africa head coach

  • South Africa have appointed former assistant coach Allister Coetzee as their head coach
  • The 52-year-old coached Stormers and Western Province in the Super 14, before a brief stint with Japanese side Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers
  • He succeeds Heyneke Meyer, who resigned in December after leading the Springboks to third place at last year’s World Cup
Allister Coetzee has been unveiled as the coach to lead South Africa to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, ending four months of speculation over who would succeed Heyneke Meyer.

Meyer’s contract expired on December 31after he decided not to seek a renewal following the Springboks defeat to New Zealand in last year’s World Cup semi-finals.

The 52-year-old’s appointment – on a four-year contract – was delayed while he completed his brief tenure at Japanese side Kobelco Steelers.



“I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity,” Coetzee said.

“This job comes with a huge amount of responsibility because our passionate fans rightfully demand the best from the Springboks at all times.”

Coetzee was part of the Springbok coaching team in 2000 and, most notably, between 2004 and 2007, including during their World Cup triumph in France.

“Allister’s appointment marks the changing of the guard at the top of Springbok rugby,” South Africa Rugby president Oregan Hoskins said.

“He was the outstanding candidate in terms of his rugby credentials, his understanding of our unique South African transformation imperatives and also in the image he will present as Springbok coach.”