Amid speculation that he would take over as South Africa's assistant cricket coach, former pacer Allan Donald has withdrawn from his verbal commitment to be New Zealand's pace bowling coach.

Donald is speculated to become former India coach Gary Kirsten's assistant with the South African team.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said Donald contacted NZC to convey his u-turn.

"We did everything possible to retain Allan but it is understandable that a role in South Africa would be attractive to both him and his family," Vaughan said in a statement.

"Unfortunately that is the nature of professional sport and although I understand the reasons for Allan's decision, it is disappointing considering the positive discussions we had with Allan about moving to New Zealand and his desire to work with the team.

"It is also a disappointment as he contributed well during the ten-week stint he had with the team earlier in the year," he added.

Donald had been with New Zealand since January this year till the end of the World Cup and had said he wanted to "commit" to the Kiwis.