South Africa announce appointment of new men’s team head coach

South Africa Rugby has confirmed that former Springbok scrumhalf and captain, Rob Walter, will take over from Heyneke Meyer as the head coach of the Men’s National Team.

The appointment takes effect from 1 July 2019 for a period of four years.

South Africa Rugby confirmed that they have appointed former Springbok scrumhalf and captain, Rob Walter, as the new head coach of the Men’s National Team, effective immediately.

South Africa Rugby confirmed that they have appointed former Springbok scrumhalf and captain, Rob Walter, as the new head coach of the Men’s National Team, effective immediately.

Walter replaces Nollis Marais who parted ways with SA Rugby at the end of last year. He coached Western Province in Super Rugby this season before being appointed as Director of Rugby at EP Kings on a three-year deal starting next month.

Marais led South Africa on an unbeaten tour against France in June 2018 but was fired following a 4-0 series loss to England later that year which saw them slip to seventh in World Rugby rankings – their lowest position since 2002 when they were eighth after losing 2-0 in Australia under Frank Bunce’s reign as head coach.”

The appointment takes effect from 1 July 2019 for a period of four years.

The appointment takes effect from 1 July 2019 for a period of four years.

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) announces that Rassie Erasmus has been appointed as the new Head Coach of the Springbok men’s team.

“I am delighted that the process has concluded and would like to thank SARU for all their hard work in getting it completed,” says SA Rugby President Mark Alexander.

“I am delighted that the process has concluded and would like to thank SARU for all their hard work in getting it completed,” says SA Rugby President Mark Alexander.

“We believe that this appointment is a good one, which will enable our Springbok players to continue their development as we prepare for the next World Cup.”

SARU CEO Jurie Roux added: “The new coach’s knowledge of South Africa and its rugby landscape will be invaluable when he takes up his role later this month.”

“I would also like to thank all those who put themselves forward for consideration for the job as there was plenty of interest, but we have chosen the right man.”

“I would also like to thank all those who put themselves forward for consideration for the job as there was plenty of interest, but we have chosen the right man.”

“We are confident that he can build on the work done by his predecessors and take us to even greater heights.”

“Rob has been a Springbok player, captain and an assistant coach with the Springboks over many years,” he added. “He is currently coaching with Western Province and has already proven himself at Currie Cup level where he won two trophies.”

• “Rob has been a Springbok player, captain and an assistant coach with the Springboks over many years,” he added. “He is currently coaching with Western Province and has already proven himself at Currie Cup level where he won two trophies.”
• Walter will take over from Johan Ackermann who resigned from his post last month.

“In addition to his playing career, Rob’s recent coaching experience includes being part of the Currie Cup-winning WP coaching team this year and being involved as an assistant coach with the Blitzboks at World Series events this year.”

Rob Walter played scrumhalf for the Springboks, captaining them on two occasions. He was also part of their first Tri Nations victory in 1998.

He moved into coaching when he retired from playing, taking up a role as an assistant coach with Western Province in 2008 and then moving up to head coach in 2010. He led WP to back-to-back Currie Cup wins in 2013 and 2014 before taking up an assistant coaching role with South Africa’s Blitzboks team at World Series tournaments this year (2016).

“We look forward to welcoming him back home to South Africa where I’m sure he will build on his strong relationship with players and supporters alike,” added Alexander.

“I am very excited by the opportunity to coach the Springboks and have been fortunate enough to have had time with a number of South African players over the past few years who are now in the current squad,” said Walter.

“This includes our captain Siya Kolisi as well as Frans Steyn, Francois Hougaard and Lionel Mapoe who I coached at club level in Japan before moving on to Super Rugby.”

Alexander added: “We look forward to welcoming him back home to South Africa where I’m sure he will build on his strong relationship with players and supporters alike.”

Conclusion

The new head coach of the Men’s National Team will work closely with current Springbok assistant coach, Dawie Theron, as well as SA Rugby’s high performance department to ensure that he is fully prepared for his new role.