Heyneke Meyer has advised the South African Rugby Union (SARU) that he no longer wished to be considered as a candidate to coach the Springboks. Meyer communicated his desire to stand aside to SARU following a recent meeting with Oregan Hoskins, SARU president, and the CEO, Jurie Roux. Meyer said he had decided to stand aside as coach, a decision he considers to be in the best interests of South African rugby, following recent developments. Meyer took over a Springbok team that was fourth in the world rankings at the conclusion of the 2011 Rugby World Cup and lifted them to second (to New Zealand) by the end of his first season in charge.
That position was maintained in 2013 and 2014 with a combined winning ratio of 77% which included a record-breaking win over Australia in Brisbane (38-12), a Rugby Championship record victory over Argentina in Soweto (73-13) and the first away win over France in 16 years, as well as two unbeaten end-of-year tours. In all, Meyer coached the team to 34 victories and two draws in 50 matches. During his tenure, the Springboks recorded a 66.7% winning record in Tests and scored 143 Test tries –second only to New Zealand in that time.
SARU said that the search for a successor would begin immediately. The CEO will present the process of recruitment as per the recommendation of the High Performance Committee for approval to the Executive Council on Wednesday, after which it will be shared with the provincial unions at the General Council meeting two days later. Media are advised that an announcement on any appointment would be made only once the process had been completed.
SARU personnel would make no comment on the matter until that time.