By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Caption:Peter de Villiers, Gary Gold and Dick Muir during the Springboks practice session at Fettes College in Edinburgh, Scotland on November 11, 2008. Photo Credit:Getty Images.
Former Springbok assistant coach Dick Muir has been appointed as Russia’s new head coach.
The news was confirmed by Russia Rugby Federation.
Muir’s appointment comes days after former Blitzbok stay Vuyo Zangqa was revealed as Russia’s new Sevens head coach.
The 56-year-old will replace former Wales international Lyn Jones, who took over as Russia head coach in 2018.
Muir started coaching in 1999. He was the coach of the CATS team (in the 1998-2006 seasons, the franchise of two famous clubs from South Africa – Lions and Cheetahs – participated in the Super Rugby tournament under this name).
In 2005 he joined the Sharks as head coach. He led the Sharks to the Super Rugby playoffs in 2006 and in 2007 advanced to the Super Rugby final, where they lost to the Bulls.
In 2010 he became the head coach of the Lions.
In 2008-2011 he was appointed assistant of the Springboks. During this period, the Springboks held the top spot in the World Rugby rankings for 18 months, won the Rugby Championship and won the series against the British and Irish Lions.
Following his time with the Boks, Muir worked at the International Rugby Academy, teaching professional players and coaches and in 2017 he became a coach-consultant of the Sharks.
Welcome to South Africa’s Dick Muir, who has been appointed new Head Coach of the Russian Men’s National Team pic.twitter.com/d9KEeyjvJ8
— Russian Rugby (@russiarugby) December 23, 2021
“Welcome to South Africa’s Dick Muir, who has been appointed new Head Coach of the Russian Men’s National Team,” the announcement read.
Russia Chairman Kirill Yashenkov described Muir as a workaholic and capable of uniting everyone involved in order to achieve the highest result, including the right to play in the World Cup.
Muir’s first task as head coach will be at the next training camp from January 9 to 19 where 60 candidates will be tested and a combat-ready squad will be formed.