Jake White survived a motion of no confidence yesterday and will continue in his role as Springbok coach, South African union president Regan Hoskins said yesterday.
White flew back to South Africa from his team's tour of England to face critics on the powerful council of provincial union presidents who had called for his immediate resignation following a string of disappointing results.
"Only a minority of members voted in the motion of no confidence against Jake," Hoskins told a media conference. "He was subject to a grilling by members of the council."
The Springboks won only five of 12 Tests in 2006 and a 32-14 defeat by Ireland prompted the motion of no confidence.
"I am pleased that the matter has been resolved," said White, whose side followed their defeat in Dublin on November 11th with a 23-21 loss then a 25-14 win against England in successive Tests at Twickenham.
White is contracted to coach the Springboks until the conclusion of the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
He was to fly back to England following the meeting to prepare his side for the final match of their tour, a non-Test meeting with a World XV in Leicester on Sunday.