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Heyneke Meyer will not re-apply to coach South Africa when his current deal expires on December 31, the South African Rugby Union confirmed on Thursday.
Meyer had said he would like to stay after leading the team to third place at the Rugby World Cup in England, but has made an about-turn after receiving stinging criticism of the team’s style of play and his record on transformation of the side.
The Boks were beaten 34-32 by Japan in their tournament opener before succumbing to eventual champions New Zealand in the semi-finals.
After the Japan loss, Meyer was widely tipped to be sacked at tournament’s end. However, the loss shocked the Boks into life and the South Africans were the only side to realistically challenge the All Blacks in the knockout stages.
“I have always put the Springboks first in my time as coach and since returning from England I have realised that as much as I believe I still have a lot to offer, the time has come for change,” Meyer said in a press statement from SARU on Thursday.
As yet, discussions are preliminary as to who would replace Meyer as head coach.
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