SPRINGBOK backline coach Dick Muir was named the new director of coaching at the Golden Lions Rugby Union on Saturday.

SPRINGBOK backline coach Dick Muir was named the new director of coaching at the Golden Lions Rugby Union on Saturday.

After lengthy board discussions on Friday afternoon and evening, Muir was appointed for a three-year term starting on November 2, when the Lions squad begin training for the Super 14.

Muir, a former Sharks and Springbok player, made his international Test debut for South Africa in 1997. Since his playing days came to an end, Muir has been involved in coaching and was head coach of the Sharks team that made the final of the Super 14 in 2007.

After he left the Sharks, Muir was appointed as the assistant and backline coach for the Springboks in 2008, and coach of the Emerging Springboks earlier this year.

"We are honoured to have a coach of Muir's knowledge, experience and calibre joining the Golden Lions Rugby Union," said GLRU chief executive Manie Reyneke.

"We are very fortunate with the quality of applications we received, each of which had their own dynamic expertise and passion for the game of rugby, but at the end of the day the board felt that Muir emerged as the candidate best suited to coaching the team."

Muir will continue with his involvement with SA Rugby and the national team. - Sapa