Harry Viljoen unexpectedly quit as Springbok coach today citing the pressures of the job as his reason.
"The media pressures and intrusions into my life are elements that I refuse to live with," the 42-year-old told a media conference in Cape Town.
"I had to be honest with myself. I was not enjoying the job, the pressures were becoming unbearable and it was impacting negatively on my family."
SA Rugby chief executive Rian Oberholzer admitted he was unhappy with Viljoen's decision.
Oberholzer had publicly backed Viljoen despite mounting pressure for him to be sacked following a disappointing 2001 in which the Springboks won only five of 11 tests.
They lost two of three tests against France and suffered a third successive defeat by England as well as finishing bottom of the Tri-Nations competition for a third successive season.
Viljoen said that he had taken the decision as much in the interests of South African rugby.
"It will give my successor two full years to prepare for the World Cup," said Viljoen.