Meyer did not explain the reasons for his decision

Meyer, the Blue Bulls coach, was one of four short-listed candidates.

"It was truly an honour to be nominated as one of the possible candidates," said Meyer, who did not explain the reasons for his decision.

The remaining candidates are Springbok sevens coach Chester Williams, Dumisani Mhani of Border Bulldogs and former Springbok coach Andre Markgraaff.

Meyer was an assistant to previous Springbok coaches Nick Mallett and Harry Viljoen and has led the Pretoria-based Blue Bulls to successive Currie Cup titles.

Rudolf Straeuli resigned as Springbok coach in December following a disappointing World Cup campaign and subsequent revelations about the harsh "Camp Barbed Wire" training camp.

The announcement of the new coach is expected early in February.