Mallett rules out Bok job

As the search begins for a new Springbok coach to replace the soon-to-be leaving Peter de Villiers, one name can be crossed off the list - Nick Mallett, who coached South Africa from 1997 to 2000.

Taking a break in Auckland after Italy bowed out of the Rugby World Cup, Mallett yesterday ruled himself out of a second term as Boks coach.

"I wouldn't go back to the Springboks again," said Mallett.

"Since I stopped coaching the Springboks I have been coaching in France and Italy. A lot of time has passed. It was a great experience and a huge honour, but there are other candidates who should be considered for that role."

It's a blow to the Springboks as Mallett is one of the most successful Bok coaches of all time with a 71% winning record, better than De Villiers (62.5%) and even superior to 2007 World Cup-winning coach Jake White (66%).

It's not as if Mallett has been short of job offers since his term as Italian coach, which he began in 2008, ended when Italy were knocked out of the RWC by Ireland just over a week ago.

"I've had four offers from clubs so far," confided Mallett.

"Two were from English clubs and I don't want to mention those as they asked me to keep it confidential. One of the others was from Toulon in France."

The French giants are in need of a mentor after current coach Philippe St Andre was named to succeed French World Cup coach Marc Lievremont.

"Toulon wanted me to start immediately, but I'm not ready to step back into a club environment, especially in France, where it is such an intense commitment.

"I've done that before with Stade Francais," he said of the club he coached to two domestic titles in 2003 and 2004.

"You're looking at coaching your team through 30 to 36 matches in a season. I've just had an extremely intense three months with Italy at the World Cup and I'm not ready to go back into that kind of environment."

The 54-year-old does plan to return to South Africa, but to spend time with his wife, Jane and his two children, Dougie and Kate.

"I need to get back to my family," he said.

"Dougie, [22] is at the University of Cape Town studying business science and Kate [24] has finished her degree and is now working in Johannesburg."

Dougie is a promising rugby player, representing UCT at flyhalf.

"He had a bad hamstring injury so he stopped playing this year but he will be back next season."

As for future plans, Mallett said he WAS happy to wait and see.

"I'll take six months out and see what comes up," he said.

"Then, if I feel I need a new challenge, there may be some international opportunities coming up."

Japan might be looking for a new coach after their poor performance at RWC 2011 and Scotland might also come knocking at Mallett's door after missing out on a place in the quarterfinals for the first time in their history.

The English media have also floated Mallett's name as a possible successor for the England role if Martin Johnson is relieved of his position.

Mallett was born in Haileybury in England and educated at Oxford. He is also one of the few coaches in world rugby who has the strength of character and intelligence to navigate the treacherous waters of English rugby. But, for now, Mallett will be happy to chill out in Cape Town, not really waiting for the phone to ring.