SA Rugby confirmed on Wednesday that Pieter de Villiers has been released from his contract with the union to take up an opportunity in France.

De Villiers, a former Test prop for France, joined SA Rugby in 2012 as a consultant and served on the Springbok team management until the end of the 2015 World Cup.

He was appointed Bok assistant coach earlier this year under Rassie Erasmus, but De Villiers has requested a release from this position, and subsequently from his SA Rugby contract, due to family commitments.

Matt Proudfoot, who worked under Allister Coetzee, has therefore continued his role as Bok forwards coach.

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