Allister Coetzee has officially been confirmed as the new coach of the South African rugby national team, known as the Springboks.
The former Stormers coach has been given a contract with the Springboks that will see him in charge of the 1995 and 2007 Rugby World Cup champions for the next four years.
SA Rugby president Oregan Hoskins made the announcement at a press conference, unveiling the 52-year-old former Springbok assistant coach, who takes over from previous man in charge, Heyneke Meyer.
“Allister’s appointment marks the changing of the guard at the top of Springbok rugby and is an exciting new departure for SA Rugby,” said Mr Hoskins at a press conference, according to SuperSport.
“It is a watershed moment for our game with new players developing alongside a spine of experience and it was the right time to have a new man guiding the Springboks for the foreseeable future,” Hoskins said.
“Allister 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. I am delighted to welcome him back into the Springbok fold,” he added.
“The Springbok coaching job is an enormous challenge but Allister has the full support of us at SA Rugby and we will be united in our efforts to continue to make Springbok rugby strong,” he said.
I want to wish him well in his new job, I also want to pay tribute to Heyneke and his management team for their dedication and service to Springbok rugby the past four years,” Hoskins concluded.
Coetzee’s experience is unquestionable, having been involved in 66 Springbok matches as a member of the side’s technical team in periods between 2000 and 2007.
From a club perspective, Coetzee has also proven himself to be a highly capable coach in the Currie Cup and Vodacom Super Rugby competitions.
Addressing the media at the press conference, Coetzee said he was extremely honoured and humbled to be selected as Springbok coach.
“This job comes with a huge amount of responsibility because our passionate fans rightfully demand the best from the Springboks at all times,” Coetzee told the assembled media.
“Rugby ignites so much passion in our country. The team inspires all our people and every young rugby player in our country aspires to be a Springbok one day.
“I know full well that coaching the Springboks requires a lot of dedication, patience and hard work. I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity,” the new Springbok tactician explained.
