Heyneke Meyer stands down as Springboks coach
After four years in charge, the man who succeeded Peter de Villiers says it is time for a change
Heyneke Meyer has decided to stand down as coach after four years in charge of the Springboks.
The possibility of Meyer being offered a contract extension was due to be discussed by the South African Rugby Union general council at a meeting in Cape Town on December 11, but he told president Oregan Hoskins and chief executive Jurie Roux he was walking away.
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
He considered the move to be “in the best interests of South African rugby”, after the team finished third at the recent Rugby World Cup in England, the SARU said on Thursday.
The SARU said it would search for a new coach immediately.
“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.
The decision backtracks on his stated desire at the Rugby World Cup to keep coaching the Springboks, despite growing criticism this year of his results, selections, and commitment to transformation before and during the tournament.
