Markgraaff quits South Africa race
CAPE TOWN, South Africa -- Andre Markgraaff has withdrawn from the short list of candidates for the South African rugby coaching job following the sudden death of his brother.
Markgraaff, a former Springbok coach, was one of four candidates for the position vacated by Rudolf Straeuli.
The remaining candidates are provincial coaches Heyneke Meyers and Dumisani Mhani and Springbok sevens coach Chester Williams.
"It's with a heavy heart and remorse that I'm withdrawing as candidate following the unexpected death of my brother," Markgraaff told newspapers.
"But after a talk with my family I realize that they need me now and my family is my priority."
Pierre Markgraaff suffered a heart attack at the age of 45.
The South African Rugby Football Union, which will name a new coach at the end of January, said they hoped to speak to Markgraaff next week.
"Andre and I have been in contact and after speaking to my vice and deputy presidents we have decided to chat to Andre next week to sort this out," SARFU president Brian Van Rooyen told the South African Press Association.
"He is not officially out of the running yet, but that is not to say he will not step down at a later date."
