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After months of speculation a new Springboks Coach has been named. The position has gone to Rassie Erasmus who has landed the role from now until RWC 2023. The appointment is monumental as Erasmus is a former Springboks captain.
Erasmus replaces Allister Coetzee who was Head Coach from 2016-2017. In failing to achieve desired results, Coetzee had his position terminated.
The 45-year-old Erasmus is to be the Head Coach of a staff which also includes Pieter de Villiers, Jacques Nienaber and Mzwandile Stick. All three have had prior involvement with the Springboks.
South Africa’s new coaching staff will have their opening assignment in the USA. South Africa and Wales are to open their June International schedules by playing a match in Washington DC. The Springboks then fly home to play host to England in what is to be a highly demanding three-match series.
The Rugby Championship will follow. This year sees South Africa again opening their campaign at home against Los Pumas. The reverse fixture will be in Argentina in round two of the competition.
In total Erasmus and his staff have 18 test matches between now and RWC 2019. Getting the Springboks ready for the tournament is a race against time though South Africa have a favorable draw to prepare for. Their pool contains Italy, New Zealand and two remaining positions to be confirmed later this year. They will be taken by the Africa 1 and Repechage Winner qualifiers.
