Rassie Erasmus Future Uncertain as Springboks Coach Linked With Overseas Offers
- Rassie Erasmus is locked in negotiations with SA Rugby over a possible extension beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup
- At least two foreign clubs are reportedly monitoring his situation, with interest also in his assistant coaches
- Erasmus stated he wants long-term security for his entire backroom team, potentially through to the 2031 World Cup
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Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus is reportedly in talks with SA Rugby (SARU) over a possible contract extension beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Erasmus’ current deal runs until the global showpiece, but Rapport reports that at least two overseas clubs are monitoring the situation closely and could make a move for the 58-year-old.
Source: Getty Images
Sources indicate Erasmus is seeking clarity not only on his future but also on the status of his entire backroom staff, whose contracts also expire in 2027.
This includes Mzwandile Stick, Daan Human, Felix Jones, Jerry Flannery, Deon Davids, Tony Brown, roving coach Duane Vermeulen, and National Laws Advisor Jaco Peyper.
A major sticking point is Erasmus’ demand that his assistants be secured until the 2031 Rugby World Cup in the USA. SA Rugby understands that retaining him will likely require long-term commitments to his coaching team.
Source: Getty Images
Proven track record
Erasmus has been part of the Springboks’ setup since 2018, guiding South Africa to World Cup glory in 2019 as head coach and later serving as director of rugby. Under his leadership, the Boks have won two World Cups and boast a near 74% win rate, the sixth-best in team history.
His reputation as one of the finest minds in Test rugby makes him a prized asset, both at home and abroad.
As seen in the tweet below:
Overseas interest in Tony Brown
The challenge for SA Rugby extends beyond Erasmus himself. Assistant coach Tony Brown, for example, remains highly sought after. The former All Blacks flyhalf was tipped to join New Zealand’s staff if Jamie Joseph replaced Scott Robertson as head coach.
Brown’s popularity highlights the pressure on SARU: securing Erasmus may require a package deal that ensures long-term stability for his entire coaching unit.
What’s Next for SA Rugby?
For now, SA Rugby is believed to be prioritising the Rugby Championship, with formal negotiations expected to intensify between October and November. But with foreign clubs circling, pressure is mounting to lock in Erasmus’ future, and that of his team, well before 2027.
Look at the tweet below:
Meanwhile, Erasmus has praised South Africa’s player depth despite being dealt a series of injury blows.
The Boks emerged from their resounding win over New Zealand in Wellington with several casualties, including Aphelele Fassi, Lood de Jager, and Jean-Luc du Preez.
Fassi left the field before half-time, later spotted in a moon boot. De Jager lasted just nine minutes before another shoulder issue forced him off, while Du Preez picked up a knee injury during training that is expected to sideline him for the remainder of the year.
While admitting the injuries were a setback, Erasmus emphasised that the squad’s adaptability is a strength.
“This group has been together for 13 weeks, and they’ve shown they are the right players for this task against Argentina,” Erasmus said.
“We’ve already used 46 players in our last eight matches, and that rotation has paid off. Younger and older players are pushing each other daily in training, and we’re confident in our depth.”
South Africa host Argentina in Durban on 27 September, with the return leg a week later in London.
Heyneke Meyer in talks for return to SA rugby
Briefly News previously reported that Former Springboks head coach Heyneke Meyer could be on the verge of a coaching comeback in South Africa, with negotiations reportedly at an advanced stage.
The move would see the 57-year-old reconnect with familiar territory, a union that shaped the early part of his provincial career.
Source: Briefly News
