Legendary referee Nigel Owens will not be accepting an offer to join the South African coaching team for this year's World Cup.
Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus wanted the Welshman on board as their new referee coach with the reigning world champions looking to defend the crown they won in Japan four years ago.
The role would have seen Owens work with Siya Kolisi and his team to improve their communication and overall relationship with match officials, as well as refereeing their contact sessions during training and giving feedback to World Rugby on behalf of South Africa.
