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Rugby Union

Meyer named as new Leicester head coach

30/06/2008

Leicester Tigers have appointed South African Heyneke Meyer as their new head coach to replace sacked Marcelo Loffreda.

The 40-year-old, who led the Vodacom Bulls to the Super 14 title last season, is one of the best-known coaches in the southern hemisphere.

He narrowly missed out on the job as South Africa coach to succeed World Cup winner Jake White at the turn of the year and has now chosen to try his hand in the northern hemisphere, signing a three-year contract at Welford Road.

Leicester Tigers chairman Peter Tom said: "We believe Heyneke is the outstanding candidate for a job which attracted a massive amount of interest from coaches all over the rugby world.

"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 succeeds Argentinean Loffreda, who was sacked in June less than a year after taking charge - despite leading the Tigers to the Guinness Premiership final, which they lost to rivals Wasps.

And the four-time Currie Cup winner claimed the prestige of Leicester as a club had persuaded him to return to coaching.

"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," he said.

"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."