Gone.

Allister Coetzee has been sacked as Springboks head coach.

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) released the following statement this morning:

SA Rugby had reached an agreement with Allister Coetzee to part ways with immediate effect. The Rugby Department of SA Rugby will manage the responsibilities of the Bok coach until the coaching and management group for 2018 is confirmed later this month.

Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby said:

“First and foremost we had to assess what is in the best interests of the Springboks. We’d like to thank Allister for his passion and dedication to the Springbok cause and wish him every success in his next role.”

Allister Coetzee said:

“I have always held Springbok rugby dear to my heart and will continue to do so and for that reason I think now is the time the team and me strike out in new directions. I wish Springbok rugby every success in the future – as I have always done.”

Former Munster boss and current SARU director of rugby Rassie Erasmus is expected to take charge, with Jacques Nienaber part of his coaching ticket.