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Former Springboks head coach Heyneke Meyer takes up role at Houston SaberCats

Heyneke Meyer is relocating to the United States to be the director of rugby at the Houston SaberCats in Major League Rugby. Joe Giddens / PA Wire/Press Association Images

Former Springboks head coach Heyneke Meyer has joined Major League Rugby team, Houston SaberCats, in the United States. He will be their director of rugby.

Meyer will also be responsible for the SaberCats' developmental squad, under-18 team and academy.

"This is a very important time for the SaberCats organization. I am fully committed to turning this team into one that wins on a regular basis and brings a championship to all the dedicated fans of Houston," Meyer said.

"The SaberCats have the best facilities in the country, and I am excited to get to work.

"Our goals are simple -- win the MLR while also developing American talent. There is no reason we can't accomplish both goals."

Meyer led South Africa to a third-place finish at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He was also the director of rugby at French Top 14 side Stade Francais from 2018 to 2019.

"Heyneke has a pattern of winning, and that's what we want with the SaberCats," SaberCats president JT Onyett said.

"The interest in this job was very strong, but Heyneke stood out from the beginning. Not only does he bring instant credibility with his background, he presented a clear path for the future."