Peter de Villiers has confirmed that he will step down as Springbok coach after seeing his side relinquish the Webb Ellis Trophy with defeat to Australia.
The defending champions crashed out of the tournament after going down 11-9 to the Wallabies in Wellington, bringing an end to De Villiers's era at the helm.
De Villiers, who was appointed in 2008, said: "It was a brilliant journey, something that none of you guys (the media) can't take away from me.
"To work with people like this, people that are passionate about their country, people who always put their bodies on the line and try to bring hope to poor people back home who will never have the privilege that most of you guys have.
Bright future
"It was really incredible for me to work with them."
South Africa's defeat to Australia ensures that no team has ever successfully defended the World Cup in the tournament's history.
But de Villiers believes the Boks have a bright future, even without him in charge.
"There is a time to come and a time to go and the journey I think for me is over," he said.
"I enjoyed it. I'm privileged to be in a position where I could make a contribution to my county and I hope it was a positive one.
"South African rugby will move forward and will be much better next year."
He continued: "I wanted to be the best me that I could be.
"The way I am is the way I want people to remember me."
Unique
Springbok captain John Smit, who lifted the World Cup under Jake White in 2007, gave de Villiers credit for his efforts while in charge.
"As much as the pain flows through the heart right now because of the loss, I think the other thing that was said in the change room by many of the guys is that we have had a really good four years together, and that has been pioneered by Peter," said Smit.
"He's not the mould of coach that we are used to, but one that we have thoroughly enjoyed over the four years."
Smit said de Villiers had lifted their spirits with his unique approach to the job.
"His saying, from the day he started, and I suppose when he wakes up tomorrow, was that even the bad days are good, and that is what he has done," Smit added.
"He has made us enjoy every moment and he has given us leeway and space and then tightened up when we took advantage of that.
"He's been a great man and he has helped us enjoy these last four years. It's disappointing for it to end like this."
