Meyer returns to Blue Bulls

The Blue Bulls have secured the services of former coach Heyneke Meyer by appointing him as the 'Executive: Rugby Coaching' at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday.

Head coach Frans Ludeke has also signed a new three-year extension to his contract that will see him stay in Pretoria until the end of the 2013 season.

Meyer led the Bulls to four Currie Cup titles and to victory in the 2007 Super 14 before departing for English club Leicester when he was overlooked for the Springbok coaching job.

Meyer returned to South Africa earlier this year for family reasons and was widely expected to rejoin the Bulls setup.

In his new role at the current Super 14 champions Meyer will be responsible to the management of the following departments:

- High Performance: Manage and co-ordinate all coaching structures and services required to support the development of the game covering all the Blue Bulls' professional and amateur teams including the clusters and clubs. He will also manage and co-ordinate other relevant aspects such as development, sports science/medicine, and related support services.

- Game development: To support cluster and club coaches.

- Training & Education: To present various specialised courses and clinics for coaches and referees.

Meyer is also responsible to enhance and maintain the existing structures which he initiated in 2000.

In addition to this, the High Performance Manager Ian Schwartz, may also approach him from time to time to assist with talent Identification and recruitment as well as putting into place succession plans for all players and coaches in consultation with the Head Coach Frans Ludeke.

Meyer, Ludeke and Schwartz will all report to the CEO, Barend van Graan.

It is interesting to note that Meyer, Schwartz and Ludeke were working together at the SWD Eagles in 1999 when they reached the semi-finals of the Currie Cup.

"They compliment and trust each other and their main goal will be to ensure that the Bulls will be able to repeat in the future what they have done in 2009," read a statement from the Bulls.

"Owing to his vast experience as a top professional coach the highly creative and ingenious Meyer will serve as a soundboard for all Blue Bulls coaches by providing advice and support and he will be responsible to equip all Blue Bulls coaches with new (up to date) information and trends in the game.

"With this in mind the coaches of the Vodacom Cup, Under 21 and Under 19 teams will report to Meyer."

As the Executive: Rugby Coaching Meyer is a member the Blue Bulls Company Strategic Committee and all other applicable Blue Bulls Company and BBRU structures and forums i.e. Rugby Coordinating Committee.