Springboks to appoint Allister Coetzee - Ruck

Springboks to appoint Allister Coetzee

  • South Africa prepare to announce Allister Coetzee as new head coach
  • Official announcement to be made on 12 April
  • Coetzee was the favourite to replace Heyneke Meyer who left after World Cup
Allister Coetzee is reportedly on the verge of being named as Heyneke Meyer’s successor as South Africa’s new head coach.

Meyer resigned from the post at the start of December last year after the team failed to win the World Cup in England, getting knocked out in the semi-final 20-18 by eventual champions New Zealand.

It was rumoured that some provincial unions had opposed handing the 48-year-old a contract extension, with his style of play and lack of transformation big influencing factors.

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) have been searching high and low for a new boss over the past few months and president Oregan Hoskins has revealed an announcement will be made on April 12.

“We are happy to have reached this point and is especially excited with our final choice,” he said.

“Today’s ratification triggers the final part of the process. We’re looking forward to being able to confirm our choice publicly.”

Coetzee is the overwhelming favourite to be revealed with his wealth of experience working in his favour when it came to deciding on whom to choose.

The ex-scrum-half has twice been an assistant for South Africa, in 2000 and from 2004-07, and was placed in charge of the Under-23 team 16 years ago.

Coetzee’s first job will be to prepare the side for the upcoming international season, with three home tests against Ireland scheduled for June. for South Africa, in 2000 and from 2004-07, and was placed in charge of the Under-23 team 16 years ago.