Heyneke Meyer has been confirmed as the new Springbok coach after his appointment was ratified at a Special General Meeting of the South African Rugby Union (SARU).
Meyer has been chosen as Peter de Villiers' successor with the 44-year-old Blue Bulls rugby executive set to take charge of the Springboks for the first time against England in June.
As well as having vast experience at club level, Meyer also has experience in the Springbok set-up after serving as an assistant to Nick Mallett and Harry Viljoen.
“Having been involved with the Blue Bulls for so long, I’ve experienced first hand how passionate South African rugby supporters are,” said Meyer.
“I know the importance of rugby in the South African psyche and will do everything in my power to ensure the Springboks remain among the pace setters of world rugby.
“I’m very happy to accept this enormous honour and massive responsibility.
“The first time I felt I still had things to achieve at the Bulls, and the second time it was decided to appoint someone else.
“I’d like to thank my family and the Blue Bulls Rugby Union for their unwavering support over the past decade. I hope to keep the country’s rugby supporters united behind the Boks.”
De Villiers' four-year tenure came to an end in December and Oregan Hoskins, President of SARU, believes Meyer is the right man to take over the reins.
“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.
“Heyneke has our full support and we know he won’t leave any stone unturned as he strives to take the Boks back to the top of international rugby.”