New Springboks coach Peter de Villiers has been handed control of the selection of the team, South Africa Rugby confirmed.

De Villiers, the world champions' first black coach, was named as Jake White's successor in January, but a statement released by SA Rugby said he had only signed his contract on Friday in Cape Town.

The 50-year-old was unhappy that his original contract did not give him the final say in the selection of the Springboks, but that issue has now been resolved, according to SA Rugby's manager of national teams Andy Marinos.

"Both parties are pleased that the matter has now been finalised and Peter will have the final say in selection," Marinos said.

Marinos confirmed that the contract is for four years and that De Villiers' assistant coaches would be finalised at a later date.

"That is still a work in progress," Marinos said.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP