White disappointed over departure 

South Africa coach Jake White confirmed on Wednesday he will leave the post when his contract expires on 31 December.

White, who led the Springboks to the World Cup title in France earlier this month, released a statement at a news conference in Cape Town two days after his name was omitted from the shortlist for the coach's job.

White initially informed SA Rugby he did not intend to extend his spell in the role, leading the governing body to advertise his position.

And even though he has hinted at a change of heart, SA Rugby have opted to stick with those who applied initially, a move White said 'disappointed him'.

'Respect, honesty and dignity are among the values of the Springbok squad over the last four years. Given recent press statements indicating why I was not considered for the national coaching role next year I felt obliged to clarify a few points, so as to ensure the Springboks' incredible success at the World Cup is not tarnished with mis-information or inaccuracy regarding my situation,' White said in the statement.

'The match against the Barbarians at Twickenham will be my last one as Springbok coach and I want to publicly thank the 72 players I have been privileged to be associated with in the last four years. The selectors and I capped 28 new Springboks in 53 Tests and to award a new player his Bok cap is among any Bok coach's career highlights.

'I've also had a wonderful support team within the management, most of who started with me four years ago and finished with a World Cup winners' medal. I will thank them personally for their contribution when the team gets together and my hope is the decision-makers in South African rugby realise how talented these individuals are and look after them in a way befitting of the sacrifice they have made for South African rugby.

'Personally, I am extremely disappointed at the manner in which the message of my supposed unavailability was conveyed to the public on Monday in a South African Rugby Union media release that stated I would not be considered for the job on the basis that I did not apply.

'My contract as Springbok coach is clear that I was not obliged to apply and that all considerations would be discussed at my annual review. I did ask for time to consider my options as I was mindful of making a wrong decision based on emotion. This time was not afforded me and that is particularly disappointing.'

White continued that the statement was to place on record 'my passion for rugby in this country and for the Springboks'.

'It was the greatest honour to coach the Boks and no-one can ever take away the memory of those four years. When I got the job I promised to instil and promote those values I believe should always be consistent with Springbok rugby.

'In 2004 the Boks were ranked sixth in the world and emotionally we were at a low after the disasters of 2003.

'I maintained at the time we had good enough players to win the World Cup. In those four years the Springboks won the Tri-Nations, won the World Cup, won two International Player of the Year awards, two Coach of the Year awards and twice were recognised by the IRB as the team of the year. In that time we also beat every team on at least one occasion.

'To those players I want to say thank you. To the support staff an equal thank you.

'Not only have you won the World Cup, but you have restored respect for the Bok jersey and you have honoured those values every young boy in this country should aspire to want to live.

'I walk away with no regrets, but with plenty of sadness.'

White has indicated he wants to stay in international rugby and has been linked with jobs in England, Wales and Australia.