Harry Viljoen's appointment of journalist Mark Keohane as his special advisor was the final straw for Andre Markgraaff. The SA Rugby Football Union management committee will also be meeting on Monday to discuss Keohane's position, ensuring he is kept away from the Boks.

Markgraaff told Rapport newspaper: "When I heard on Wednesday that Harry appointed Keohane totally out of the blue, I decided to withdraw (from the Bok coaching team)."

The 32-year-old Keohane was, however, apparently recruited more than two weeks ago. The controversial and confrontational journalist launched a scathing attack on Markgraaff on a website over a week ago.

Viljoen was highly upset with Markgraaff over reports that claimed the new Bok coach would only be an "image maker", with Markgraaff actually coaching the Boks.

Markgraaff said: "I heard that Harry was upset with me because it was alleged that I made those comments. I then left a message on his cellphone (last Tuesday) to say that I'm no longer available to serve as assistant coach."

Viljoen phoned him back and asked him not to be too hasty and to first wait until he is appointed on Friday - they were said to have been a "package deal" to replace Nick Mallett.

"We would've talked then. But when I heard on Wednesday of Keohane's appointment, I decided that this is it, I'm out," said Markgraaff, who eventually realised that Viljoen never really wanted him.

Viljoen will be meeting with the Sarfu management committee on Monday to discuss Keohane and his management team. Rudolph Straeuli was earmarked as forwards coach but might not be interested, while Chester Williams is to assist with the backs.

Sarfu chief executive Rian Oberholzer confirmed that Keohane won't be part of the Bok management or have close ties with the team. Several players find it unacceptable that Viljoen might want them to rub shoulders with their strongest critic in the past, Keohane, who recently phoned a player's agent to tell him his client better get his act together or lose out on touring with the Boks - creating further confusion about his exact role.

Rapport said the self-opinionated Keohane, who earned the nickname of "Cowboy", made countless enemies as a journalist and was continuously in conflict with rugby bosses and unions.

The Sarfu management committee are said to be unanimous in their disdain of Keohane and not everyone was as keen to have Viljoen as coach. They are seeking more clarity on what role Keohane is going to play and want an assurance that he won't interfere with Sarfu matters.

Ironically, Rapport said Keohane was hired to advise Viljoen on ways to improve his public image while also acting as media watchdog and "spin doctor". By appointing Keohane, however, Viljoen's image has taken a nosedive due to Keohane's lack of credibility.

It was not in Viljoen's best interest that Keohane showed poor judgement by "leaking" his appointment to media friends four days before the new Bok coach was confirmed.

According to Rapport, Viljoen denied that he was going to include 10 black players in his squad of 40. A newspaper reported that Viljoen was considering doing this on Keohane's insistence.