World Cup-winning coach Jake White quit as rugby director of Coastal Sharks Monday, the Super 15 franchise said in a statement.
White gave no explanation for a decision that took South African rugby by surprise.
The 51-year-old has often said his ultimate goal was to coach another team at a World Cup and the 2015 tournament kicks off in England next September.
"I'm closing this chapter in my life as I believe it is the right time to do so.
"I want to thank and acknowledge the Sharks for my time spent with the team," White said in a statement.
The coach who guided South Africa to the 2007 world title spent one season with the Durban outfit and took them to the Super 15 semi-finals.
Not offered a new contract by the Springboks despite the World Cup triumph, White eventually joined Australian Super 15 side ACT Brumbies and steered them to the 2013 final.
After losing out to Ewen McKenzie for the post of Australia coach, he returned to South Africa.
Sharks chief executive and former Springboks hooker and skipper John Smit praised the impact White had on the Durban-based franchise.
"What he has achieved for us in such a short time is incredible and our staff and players have learnt a huge amount," he said.
Source: AFP
