World Cup-winning head coach Jake White has ended his spell in charge of South Africa, the country's governing body confirmed yesterday.

SA Rugby have already compiled a shortlist of four possible replacements after White, who led the Springboks to glory in France nine days ago, told them he did not intend to stay in his post. A statement on www.sarugby.net read: "The panel to appoint the national coach met today in Johannesburg to further discuss the process and to finalise the shortlist for the position of Springbok coach. It was confirmed Jake White did not apply for the position and he was therefore not considered. SA Rugby recently met with White to discuss the matter, and can confirm White advised SA Rugby he does not want to make a decision on his coaching future at this point in time."

White has previously expressed a desire to coach defeated finalists England.

Meanwhile, Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards has rounded on players who publicly criticised England coach Brian Ashton - insisting they should not play for their country again. He spoke out over the comments directed at Ashton from Lawrence Dallaglio and Mike Catt.

Richards explained: "I find it very disturbing players are . . . slating Brian. It's absolutely disgraceful. These guys should never play for England again . . . the unwritten rule in rugby is that you don't criticise each other in the press. It's an absolute disgrace."