Allister Coetzee has been confirmed as the new head coach of the Springboks.

The appointment, ratified by the general council on 1 April, was confirmed by SA Rugby at a media conference in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

The 52-year-old former Springbok assistant coach succeeds Heyneke Meyer, and will take charge for the next four years. He will be assisted by Mzwandile Stick as backline coach and Johann van Graan as forwards coach.

Van Graan is retained in his role as assistant, while Stick joins the coaching staff after a stellar playing career with the Springbok Sevens, where he was the captain and also a member of the team that won the World Series title in the 2008-09 season. Last year Stick coached Eastern Province to the provincial U19 title.

The Springboks’ strength and conditioning will fall under Dr Warren Adams, while the medical team will consist of Dr Jerome Mampane and physiotherapists Vivian Verwant and Tanu Pillay, with Ian Schwartz carrying on as team manager.

SA Rugby also confirmed that Coetzee will be able to call on the assistance of consultants when the need arises during his tenure.

Coetzee said he was extremely honoured and humbled to coach the Springboks.

'This job comes with a huge amount of responsibility because our passionate fans rightfully demand the best from the Springboks at all times. Rugby ignites so much passion in our country. The team inspires all our people and every young rugby player in our country aspires to be a Springbok one day. I know full well that coaching the Springboks requires a lot of dedication, patience and hard work. I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity.'

Coetzee had already been involved in a number of planning sessions with SA Rugby staff. His first official engagement as a coach will be the opening Test of the year against Ireland in Cape Town on 11 June.