Bulls director of rugby Heyneke Meyer has been named as South Africa's new head coach.
Bulls boss handed four-year deal as Boks head coach
Bulls director of rugby Heyneke Meyer has been named as South Africa's new head coach.
The former Leicester boss replaces Peter de Villiers, whose contract was not renewed following a disappointing World Cup.
The 44-year-old was favourite to succeed Jake White in 2008, but he lost out to De Villiers and briefly quit rugby altogether before taking the helm at Leicester.
He is the most successful coach over the last 10 years in domestic rugby, guiding the Blue Bulls to four Currie Cup titles and one Super Rugby crown.
"It is difficult leaving your family (Bulls) behind, but I believe this is my calling and I want to be the coach of a whole nation, not just one province," Meyer said.
"I want to unite our country through the team, but I cannot do this alone. I'm going to need every single South African citizen to help me make this the best team in the world.
"Winning is the most important thing and I accept that - but I have always coached to make a difference to the people of our country. I also want to thank the Bulls family and what they have done for me in the past."
Standards
Meyer has agreed a four-year contract as he attempts to rebuild the Springboks without the likes of the retired John Smit and Victor Matfield.
SARU president Oregan Hoskins backed Meyer to meet the high standards expected by Springbok fans.
"The Springboks are SARU's top priority," he said. "Heyneke's coaching pedigree is second to none in South Africa. He will be an asset to the Boks and South African rugby in general.
"I'd also like thank our outgoing coach Peter de Villiers for his passion, hard work and dedication over the past four years. However, it was felt that we needed a man with a new approach and new ideas to take over one of the toughest jobs in South African sport."
