Bereaved Markgraaff out of Springbok running

Former Springbok coach Andre Markgraaff has withdrawn his name from the shortlist to coach South Africa after the death of his younger brother Pierre.

Markgraaff named as a contender earlier in the week alongside Bok Sevens coach Chester Williams, Blue Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer and Border coach Dhumisani Mhani, after Rudolf Straeuli resigned following a failed World Cup campaign.

Markgraaff announced he needed to concentrate on his family and help out with the farm outside Kimberley which belonged to Pierre, who died suddenly from a heart attack aged 45.

“After discussions with my family at this sad time, it is clear that family needs are now my priority,” Markgraaff said in the statement.