Heyneke Meyer stands down as South Africa coach

Heyneke Meyer has decided to stand down as South Africa coach.

The South African Rugby Union announced on its official Twitter feed that Meyer had advised them he no longer wished to be considered as a candidate to coach the Springboks.

Heyneke Meyer has advised SARU that he no longer wished to be considered as a candidate to coach the Springboks.

— Springboks (@Springboks) December 3, 2015

Meyer, whose contract expired at the end of this month, led South Africa to third place in the recent Rugby World Cup, but the Springboks also suffered a shock 34-32 defeat against Japan in their opening pool game.

Meyer decided to stand aside as coach, a decision he considers to be in the best interest of SA rugby, following recent developments.

— Springboks (@Springboks) December 3, 2015

SARU said on its official website that Meyer had expressed his desire to step down following a recent meeting with SARU president Oregan Hoskins and chief executive Jurie Roux.

Meyer took over as Springboks head coach after the 2011 World Cup, overseeing 34 victories in 50 Tests, which included one win against world champions New Zealand and two runners-up finishes in the Rugby Championship.

He had previously enjoyed prolonged success with the Pretoria-based Bulls, while he he also spent time in charge of Aviva Premiership club Leicester.

“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, 48, told www.sarugby.net.

“My integrity has always been very important, and I feel I can leave with my head held high. I’ve always maintained that my only motivation was to serve my country and to do what was best for the Springboks.

“I have greatly enjoyed my time as Springbok coach, although it has been highly-pressured at times and especially tough on my family, and I would like to thank them for their unwavering support in the last four years.

“I have put my heart and soul into the job and did my very best. I believe that, overall, I leave the team with much to look forward to in 2016, with new structures in place to ensure the Springboks will remain competitive on the world stage.

“The number of young players that have been blooded over the past four seasons, who chose to remain in South Africa, leave the team in a great position to move on in the next few years. I would like to wish the next coach all the success in this wonderful position.

“The Springboks are a special team, and carrying the hopes of a nation is a huge responsibility and great privilege. I realised that yet again with all the support I received from ordinary South Africans, both at the World Cup and upon our return to the country.

“Thank you to the countless faithful, positive and passionate supporters that have made my job as coach a joy, to everyone at SARU, and for the hard work and commitment of my management and support team, I will be forever thankful.

“And finally to the players – you are ultimately the reason why I coach, and you’ve enriched my life in the last four years.”