It's official: Meyer to coach Tigers
Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:23
A Tigerish look: Heyneke Meyer, Leicester's new coach
The world's worst-kept secret is out. Leicester Tigers on Monday confirmed that the Bulls' Super 14-winning mentor Heyneke Meyer has been appointed as the English club's new head coach.
Monday's announcement follows weeks of media speculation which had linked an array of top coaches to the job - including Eddie O'Sullivan (Ireland), Fabien Galthie (Stade Francaise) and Jake White (South Africa).
The most successful coach in South Africa, the 40-year-old Meyer, has gained a reputation for innovation and developing talent.
He led the Bulls to the 2007 Super 14 title - the first South African side in more than 10 years to win a Super Rugby trophy - and won four Currie Cups in five years, as well as leading his team to four Vodacom Cup finals.
However, he quit coaching at the beginning of the year after losing out in the Bok coaching race to Peter de Villiers in controversial fashion - with South African Rugby Union President Oregan Hoskins describing De Villiers as a transformation appointment.
Leicester Tigers bosses are obviously delighted at having lured a man of Meyer's calibre to Welford Road.
"We believe Heyneke [Meyer] is the outstanding candidate for a job which attracted a massive amount of interest from coaches all over the rugby world," Tigers Chairman Peter Tom said.
"He has a superb record in South Africa and we were very impressed by his levels of professionalism, preparation and enthusiasm when he spoke to us.
"Heyneke has dealt with top-quality international players in his time with the Bulls and in working with the South Africa national squad. He has also developed players from within the ranks at his previous clubs and he has an impressive record of success in a very competitive environment.
"We believe he is the man to take Leicester Tigers forward in a crucial time for this club."
Meyer, who will arrive at Welford Road before the start of the new Guinness Premiership season after agreeing a three-year contract, said: "I have always thought that if I want to get back into rugby it must be with one of the best clubs in the world, and I truly believe Leicester Tigers are one of the best clubs in world rugby.
"I have a lot of respect for what the club has achieved in the past and I have been impressed with everybody I have met from the club.
"I know there are a lot of competitive clubs in the Guinness Premiership and I am looking forward to the challenge with Leicester Tigers.
"I am humbled that a club like Leicester Tigers has considered me alongside the other candidates for the job of head coach and I am very thankful that they have appointed me.
"Now I am looking forward to getting started."
