Heyneke Meyer to step down

MTN fine, Pistorius convicted of murder, Heyneke Meyer quits as Springbok coach and it's not even midday. Good morning South Africa.

— Andrew England (@cornishft) December 3, 2015

FOLLOWING a meeting with South African Rugby Union (SARU) president, Oregan Hoskins, and CEO, Jurie Roux, Springbok coach, Heyneke Meyer, has voiced his intentions to not renew his contract going into 2016.

Meyer’s contract ends on December 31.

“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 said in a press statement from SARU on Thursday.

SARU’s General Council was set to meet on December 11 to discuss Meyer’s future as coach, but the meeting will now be to find a suitable replacement for Meyer.

Allister Coetzee, coach of Kobelco Steelers in the Japan, is rumoured to be shortlisted to take over from Meyer. However, opinions are divided over whether he is the wisest option.

Allister Coetzee looks likely to replace Heyneke Meyer as Bok coach. He can't do much worse than Meyer, but is he really the best for job?

— Simon Borchardt (@SimonBorchardt) November 25, 2015

100% behind Allister Coetzee's appointment as bok coach if it happens

— Kaunda Ntunja (@kaundantunja) November 26, 2015

Just had a really scary thought. What if Allister Coetzee replaces HM? I don't think I will sleep tonight #HeynekeMustFall #SSRugby

— Hezz 📚🌻💙💛 (@HSteel5) October 30, 2015

1/2: I remind myself that these Allister Coetzee haters do not appreciate what he has done for #SARugby & never will.

— Samantha Coetzee 🌸 (@samcoetzee25) November 25, 2015