Springboks look abroad after coach Viljoen quits

South Africa officials, caught on the hop by Harry Viljoen's resignation as coach on Saturday, admit they are nowhere near naming a successor to the eighth national coach to fall by the wayside since 1992.

The Springboks' next coach is not expected to be appointed until the end of March, according to Rian Oberholzer, the SA Rugby managing director. Oberholzer has not ruled out the prospect of appointing a foreign coach for the first time and said: "We weren't expecting this. I was angry when Harry told me because of the support I have given him, but we can't have a coach whose mind is not on the job."

Viljoen, who has the worst record of any post-isolation coach against the major nations, was due to face an SA Rugby executive meeting on Thursday to explain a run of bad results. However, having met the four Super 12 coaches to prepare for the forthcoming season, he stepped down, blaming constant media intrusion.

One of those coaches was not too displeased. "Given his history, it really doesn't come as a surprise," the Highlanders' Laurie Mains said. "I think this is a very positive turning point in South African rugby."