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South Africa name Allister Coetzee as new rugby coach

South Africa

South Africa has named Allister Coetzee as new coach of the country’s Rugby World team.

South Africa’s Super Rugby coaches will have a bigger say in the selection of the Springbok team in future https://t.co/zF2D8uaOSa

— City Press Online (@City_Press) April 3, 2016

The appointment comes ahead of the World Cup in Japan, and puts to an end four months of speculation over who will succeed former handler Heyneke Meyer.

Coetzee, 52, coached Stormers and Western Province in the Super 14, before having a brief stint with Japanese side Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers.

Coetzee’s initial assignment will be three home tests against Ireland in June.

He is remaining hopeful.

“I think it’s an important day in my life personally, but first of all I think it’s a humbling experience. For the opportunity that has been afforded, a massive honour and I am really… you know to SA rugby, very grateful to SA rugby first of all for having the confidence in me.

“This is South Africa. For a national coach, he has to understand that you are living in South Africa. I cannot come with a mentality as if I am somewhere else. It is unique and I think that uniqueness must actually make us stronger,” the new coach said.

He must embark on a rebuilding of the national team after the Boks’ bronze medal finish at the World Cup in England last October.

He will be assisted by Johann van Graan, who also worked under Meyer, and a former full-back in the 15-man game, Mzwandile Stick, who largely made his name in Rugby Sevens.

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