Heyneke Meyer ends Springboks reign

Heyneke Meyer believes “the time has come for change” after bringing an end to his reign as South Africa head coach.

The South African Rugby Union said that Meyer had advised Saru president Oregan Hoskins and chief executive Jurie Roux of his desire to step down. Meyer’s contract was due to expire at the end of the year.

Meyer, who took charge of the Springboks four years ago, led South Africa to third place in the recent England-hosted Rugby World Cup, which represented a reasonable recovery after his team suffered a shock 34-32 defeat against opening pool stage opponents Japan. There are no indications about what 48-year-old Meyer might do next, although it will not go unnoticed that new England boss Eddie Jones has yet to announce the make-up of his coaching support staff.

Andy Farrell, Graham Rowntree and Mike Catt remain in England assistant coaching positions they held during a failed World Cup campaign under the direction of Stuart Lancaster, but it is widely expected that Jones will make changes ahead of this season’s 6 Nations Championship, which starts on February 6.

Meyer’s Springboks reign delivered 34 victories in 50 tests, which included one win against world champions New Zealand and two runners-up finishes in the Rugby Championship.

“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 told www.sarugby.net.

France’s Romain Poite will be in charge of another match between ex-champions when Munster host in-form Leicester Tigers at Thomond Park on Saturday week. On the same day, the meeting of Racing 92 and Northampton Saints, which could feature Dan Carter, will be refereed by Ireland’s George Clancy. Nigel Owens of Wales has been appointed for the match between holders, Toulon and Leinster at Stade Félix Mayol on December 13.