Rassie Erasmus Responds to Viral ‘Quitting Springboks’ Report Amid April Fool’s Prank Scare
- Rassie Erasmus addresses widespread rumours circulating online that suggested he had stepped down as Springboks head coach
- The speculation, fuelled by an April Fool’s Day article, sparked confusion and strong reactions among rugby supporters across social media platforms
- Erasmus quickly moved to reassure fans of his continued role, dismissing the reports and calming concerns about the leadership of the national team
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus responded to viral reports across multiple media platforms suggesting that he had resigned from his post.
Source: Twitter
Several media reports online claimed Erasmus had quit as the South African national rugby team coach. However, the 54-year-old, whom Erasmus reminded rugby fans of the date with a simple post on X, captioned:
“1 April.”
His post was aimed at calming concerns among Springboks supporters who may have been misled by April Fool’s Day articles circulating on Wednesday morning. Some of the reports suggested that Erasmus had signed a multi-year deal to replace Steve Borthwick as England head coach.
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Social media reaction to Rassie Erasmus's April Fool’s post
Reactions after Erasmus’ clarification were largely of relief, as the news, if true, would have represented a major loss for South African rugby. Under his leadership, the Springboks have enjoyed significant success, with an 85 per cent winning rate across the season.
Fans took to social media to share their reactions:
@Nkosana3296:
“They got me good and I was angry at you and ready to call you a traitor. I'm sorry I apologise for even doubting you can even leave us. My bad Sir.”
@Hasman7455:
“Hahaha imagine the whole magazine pulling an April fool prank in this economy 🤦😂.”
@dah_afrika:
“We don't joke like that!”
@strueffella:
“They say you going to coach England national football team 😂”
@bongz4sure:
“I almost cried when I saw that statement from Rugby SA.”
@Itumele_Mora:
“Some things don’t need to be joked about.”
@m_mzet:
“I almost fainted. Thank you.”
@Mokgatla_Mora:
“Don’t joke like that. 🤣🤣.”
@KING_GANCA:
“Is this an April Fool’s joke? Because I am about to flatline 💔💔💔🙆🏾.”
@Lethumusa_:
“Rassie people almost had heart attacks.”
See the tweet below from Rassie Erasmus:
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus contract
Fans can be reassured that Erasmus remains in charge of the Springboks and is expected to lead the team in upcoming fixtures. South Africa will face the Barbarians in June at Nelson Mandela Bay as part of their preparations, before their first Test of the season against England on 4 July at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.
Before playing against Scotland and Wales. The intensity will rise further with a four-Test series against the All Blacks, culminating in Baltimore, USA, 12,800 kilometres from home.
Source: Getty Images
Springboks legend on the B team
Briefly News previously reported that a Springboks legend revealed a rumour that head coach Rassie Erasmus could deploy a weakened squad for the Nations Championship, ahead of a busy 2026 calendar season.
Speaking on the podcast Rivals, former Springbok Victor Matfield said he had heard there could be a South African B side towards the end of the year.
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Source: Briefly News
