Cape Town - Rassie Erasmus has reportedly withdrawn himself from the race to become the next Springbok coach.
Erasmus, head of SARU’s Mobi-Unit of coaches, was earlier reported to be the favourite to replace Heyneke Meyer as Bok coach.
However, according to Netwerk24, Erasmus informed SA Rugby's executive committee last week that he does not want to become the next Bok coach.
With Erasmus out of contention, Allister Coetzee appears the favourite for the job.
Coetzee, a former Stormers coach, was confirmed to still be in contention for the job when SARU president Oregan Hoskins sent out an email to committee members, telling them to add Coetzee's name to the candidates list.
He currently coaches the Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers in Japan, but is in Cape Town at present during the Japanese off-season.
The new Bok coach is expected be named in April, leaving him just over two months to prepare for the series against Ireland.