Springboks turn to Meyer for England's summer tour

Chris Hewett
Saturday 28 January 2012 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

England's long-term coaching staff, whoever they turn out to be, will find themselves pitting their wits against a formidable rugby intellect when they travel to South Africa for a three-Test tour in June.

Heyneke Meyer, who spent an uncomfortable few months in charge of Leicester in 2008 before returning home for personal reasons midway through the season, has been unveiled as the new Springbok coach in succession to the outspoken Peter de Villiers. He has signed a contract taking him through to the 2015 World Cup.

The 44-year-old from Nelspruit had been favourite to succeed the triumphant Jake White after the Boks won the Webb Ellis Cup in France in 2007, but was beaten to the job by De Villiers, the first black man to coach the national side. Meyer is a popular figure in the republic, well respected by rugby folk, who point to his success in establishing the Pretoria-based Blue Bulls as one of the major powers of the world game.

Wales, meanwhile, have recalled the veteran Scarlets outside-half Stephen Jones to their Six Nations mix as cover for the injured Rhys Priestland.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in