SA Rugby's preferred candidate as Springbok coach was ratified by the general council on Friday.

The coach, who SARugbymag.co.za has learned is Allister Coetzee, will be named officially at a media conference on 12 April.

SA Rugby president Oregan Hoskins made the announcement following the ratification of the coach’s appointment by the general council – made up of the 14 member unions of SA Rugby. Ratification by the council is the final step in the constitutional process to appoint a Springbok coach.

Hoskins said now that the final governance hurdle had been cleared the formal completion of the new coach’s contract, and that of his management team, could be completed.

'We are happy to have reached this point and are particularly excited with our final choice,' said Hoskins. 'Today’s ratification triggers the final part of the process. We’re looking forward to being able to confirm our choice publicly.'

Hoskins said that logistical planning was well advanced for the Springbok season and that those plans had already been shared with the preferred candidate.

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