2020 rugby championship
Springboks pull out of Rugby Championship
South African Rugby chief Jurie Roux said the withdrawal was a "hugely disappointing outcome for supporters and commercial partners".
South Africa were included with Australia, Argentina and New Zealand in the fixtures, but the organisers admitted last month that there were doubts about their participation.
Competitive rugby resumed in South Africa only last weekend after a six-month suspension triggered by COVID-19.
New Zealand Rugby was up in arms when the initial schedule of the four-nation southern hemisphere tournament in Australia was released, with their last game set for December 12.
Director of rugby and 2019 World Cup-winning coach Rassie Erasmus has told reporters he expects a decision by October 10.