Arthob Petersen has been re-appointed as Springbok team manager for the 2009 international season and willl take up his post on 1 May. Petersen filled the position in a caretaker role on the Springboks' 2008 end-of-year tour to the UK and was nominated to continue as manager by the South African Rugby Union President's Council.
It will be the 55-year-old Petersen's third spell as Springbok manager having previously held the post between 1997 and 1999 and again between 2004 and 2006. He now has the chance to help the Spriongboks gain revenge for their 2-1 test sereis defeat at the hands of the 1997 Lions..
"It's a unique achievement and as a result Arthob brings a wealth of experience to the manager's position having been through the last Lions tour," said Andy Marinos, acting managing director or SA Rugby.
"We're pleased to have him back on board. He came in as a stop-gap on the end-of-year tour to Britain last year and quickly established a good working relationship with Peter de Villiers and the players.His familiarity with the players and the significance of the coming Castle South Africa 2009 Lions Series will stand everyone in good stead."