Former Springboks coach Peter de Villiers has been fired from his role as Zimbabwe head coach for unauthorised absence from work.

De Villiers was fired last month, according to internal ZRU documents, but has indicated he will appeal his dismissal in a labour court.

The documents indicate that De Villiers failed to return to work after a holiday last year. He was placed on suspension, and following a disciplinary hearing, fired.

De Villiers’ absence is thought to be due to his daughter’s battle with cancer, as photos uploaded to social media earlier this year showed him at her bedside.

It brings an end to his short tenure as Zimbabwe boss. De Villiers was hired last year to ensure that Zimbabwe qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1991.

However, the team failed to qualify and were nearly relegated from Africa’s top-tier competition.

Photo: www.chronicle.co.zw