Allister Coetzee named as new Springboks coach

South Africa have named Allister Coetzee as the new coach of the Springboks.

Coetzee replaces Heyneke Meyer, whose contract expired on December 31 after he decided not to seek a renewal following South Africa's 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.

Coetzee was assistant coach to Jake White when South Africa won the World Cup in 2007 and spent six years with the Stormers Super Rugby side before joining the Steelers last year. He also led Western Province to domestic Currie Cup titles in 2012 and 2014.

His opening assignment with the Springboks will be the three-Test home series against Ireland in June and that will mark the start of a rebuilding process ahead of the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Stalwarts Jean de Villiers and Fourie du Preez retired after the Boks' bronze medal finish at the World Cup in England, during which they also suffered a shock defeat to Japan.

"Allister's appointment marks the changing of the guard at the top of Springbok rugby and is an exciting new departure for South Africa rugby," said South Africa Rugby president Oregan Hoskins.

"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."

Coetzee said: "It's an important day in my life and a humbling experience, I am grateful to South African Rugby for having confidence in me.

"The last few months have been a rollercoaster emotionally but I'm glad that it's out now."

Coetzee must conform to South African Rugby's transformation goals that say 50 per cent of the squad that competes in Japan in 2019 must be players of colour.

"We have the talent, I firmly believe that, and the guys are showing it in Super Rugby this season," he added. "If people believe and buy into what we are trying to achieve, we can go anywhere in the world and be successful.

"Transformation is not an issue for me. As national coach you have to understand our unique situation in South Africa. I firmly believe that uniqueness can make us stronger.

"Across the colour spectrum, players are performing at the moment and every black player that I select will be on merit."

Former Springbok Sevens captain Mzwandile Stick will join Johann van Graan, who worked alongside Meyer, as an assistant coach to Coetzee, with Ian Schwartz continuing as team manager. 

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