Leicester Tigers have announced the appointment of Heyneke Meyer, of South Africa, as their new head coach. The 40-year-old has signed a three-year deal with to replace Marcello Loffreda, the Argentine coach who was sacked on June 6.

“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 believe Leicester Tigers are one of the best,” Meyer said.

Meyer previously coached Blue Bulls in his homeland, winning numerous titles, and had been strongly linked with the Springboks’ head coach position before missing out to Peter de Villiers earlier this year.

“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,” he said. “I know there are a lot of competitive clubs in the Guinness Premiership and I am looking forward to the challenge.

“I am humbled that a club like Leicester has considered me alongside the other candidates for the job and I am very thankful that they have appointed me. Now I am looking forward to getting started.”

Peter Tom, the Tigers chairman, hailed Meyer’s arrival at a “crucial time” for the club. “Heyneke is the outstanding candidate for a job which attracted a massive amount of interest from coaches all over the world,” he said.

“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.