Cape Town - Harry Viljoen unexpectedly quit as Springbok coach on Saturday citing the pressures of the job as his reason.
"The media pressures and intrusions into my life are elements that I refuse to live with," the 42-year-old told a media conference in Cape Town.
"I had to be honest with myself. I was not enjoying the job, the pressures were becoming unbearable and it was impacting negatively on my family."
SA Rugby chief executive Rian Oberholzer admitted he was "pissed off" with Viljoen's decision.
Oberholzer had publicly backed Viljoen despite mounting pressure for him to be sacked following a disappointing 2001 in which the Springboks won only five of 11 Tests.
They lost two of three Tests against France and suffered a third successive defeat by England as well as finishing bottom of the Tri-Nations competition for a third successive season.
"I understand the reasons for the decision and respect Harry for his boldness in taking this decision.
"However I am very disappointed that he is not able to see through the process that he has initiated to the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
"A lot has been invested in putting in place the present structure and we will ensure that this will not be laid to waste when we appoint a successor.
"We still have 18 Tests and two years to see out so the timing is right. We will start looking for a replacement in February - we have good young coaches and it won't be a difficult decision."
Viljoen said that he had taken the decision as much in the interests of South African rugby.
"It will give my successor two full years to prepare for the World Cup," said Viljoen.
"That was one of the factors in my decision. I had been toying with it in my mind for a while but the last two days, speaking to my wife had made up my mind.
"I struggled to handle the pressure." - Reuters