Allister Coetzee

After only 11 victories in 25 Tests during two years guiding the Springboks, there has been media speculation that the 54-year-old faced the sack.  

But the former inter-provincial scrum-half says his efforts to build a team capable of winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan are being severely hampered by some officials.

Coetzee believes that if he does not quit, he risks being reduced to a "ceremonial coach" reporting to recently appointed national director of rugby Johan "Rassie" Erasmus.

During his two-year tenure, Coetzee won just 11 of his 25 Tests in charge, with defeats to Italy, Wales and Ireland.

Despite boasting the worst win ratio of any 'Boks coach for 20 years, he refutes any responsibility and shifts the blame onto the SARU.

South Africa's Sunday Times newspaper reports Coetzee sent a scathing letter to the governing body, accusing it of ill-practice.

Coetzee met with CEO Jurie Roux on January 18 about what he thought was an upcoming performance review, but was told his time as Springboks coach was up.

RNZI reports the appointment of Coetzee, whose opening assignment will be three home tests against Ireland in June, was delayed from December while he completed his brief tenure at Japanese side Kobelco Steelers.