Rugby: Four shortlisted for Springbok coach job

South African rugby officials have named a shortlist of four candidates for the vacant Springbok coach position.

The front-runner for the role is former Springbok Rudolf Straeuli, who coaches the Natal Sharks, South Africa's most successful side in the Super 12 tournament.

Also vying for post are Allister Coetzee, who runs South Africa's A side, Cardiff coach Rudy Joubert and Jake White, who is currently an assistant Springbok coach.

The four will face a series of interviews over the next two weeks, and the winning candidate will be announced in March.

Francois Pienaar, who led the Springboks to victory in the 1995 World Cup, and was tipped as a possible candidate for the position, did not apply.