2 Apr 2016

New Spingboks coach selected

9:28 am on 2 April 2016

The South African Rugby Union have chosen a new Springbok coach, though they won't reveal who it is for another 10 days.

Springbok coach Allister Coetzee.

Springbok coach Allister Coetzee. Photo: Photosport

The former Stormers Super Rugby coach Allister Coetzee is favourite to get the job.

SARU will announce the new coach on April 12, and Allister Coetzee is strong favourite to get the job.

SARU president Oregan Hoskins confirmed that the organisation's General Council had approved a candidate, without revealing his identity, and said the ruling body would now complete the process of contracting the coach and his management team.

"We are happy to have reached this point and are particularly excited with our final choice," Hoskins said in a statement.

"Today's ratification triggers the final part of the process. We're looking forward to being able to confirm our choice publicly."

Coetzee, who has just completed a season leading Kobelco Steelers in Japan, had six years in charge of the Stormers Super Rugby franchise and was assistant coach to Jake White when the Boks won the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

The 52-year-old also led Western Province to four domestic Currie Cup finals, lifting the trophy in 2012 and 2014.

The Boks are looking for a new coach after Heyneke Meyer decided not to seek an extension of his contract following the World Cup in England last year.

South Africa finished third after suffering a humiliating pool-stage loss to Japan.

South Africa begin their international season with three home tests against Ireland in June.

-Reuters