Springboks: Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber to stay on post Rugby World Cup

Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber look set to retain their roles as Springboks’ director of rugby and head coach respectively after the Rugby World Cup.

After guiding South Africa to World Cup glory in 2019 and backing that up with a series win over the British and Irish Lions, Erasmus and Nienaber are set to remain in charge of the Boks until 2025.

Job security

Afrikaans Sunday newspaper Rapport have revealed that the coaching duo can begin preparations for the World Cup knowing their jobs are secure post the tournament in France.

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The paper spoke to Erasmus’ lawyer, Frikkie Erasmus, who confirmed that the Springbok DOR’s deal runs until 2025 but does include an exit clause if he wishes to depart after the World Cup.

“Rassie is contracted until 2025, but in terms of the terms of the contract, he has the right to end his contract earlier,” Frikkie Erasmus said.

It is understood that South African Rugby president Mark Alexander confirmed that the Bok coaches’ contracts would not expire after the World Cup. 

If Erasmus does vacate his role, it is thought that Jacques Nienaber will follow suit and that the Springboks’ performance in the tournament would play a role in the decision.

World Cup preparation

The newspaper also reported that the preparations for the World Cup beginning this March, with alignment camps taking place while the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup are paused for the Six Nations.

South Africa are currently ranked fourth overall on the world rankings after winning eight of their 13 Tests in 2022 for a win rate of 61.5 per cent.

Their preparations for the World Cup begin with a shortened Rugby Championship tournament in July before warm-up games against Argentina, New Zealand, and Wales.

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