Rassie Erasmus confirmed as new Springbok coach

SA Rugby have confirmed Rassie Erasmus as the new Springbok coach.

Rassie Erasmus will spearhead a streamlined but experienced Springbok management team until the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, SA Rugby confirmed on Wednesday, as the former Springbok captain will combine his Springbok coaching duties with his current role as Director of Rugby at SA Rugby.

According to SA Rugby CEO, Jurie Roux, the changes to the Springbok management team are the result of a very thorough review process of the 2017 season.

“The Springbok team is our flagship brand and the on-field performances have a direct impact on the business of SA Rugby,” said Roux.

“Following a very detailed review process of the 2017 season, I believe that we have managed to assemble a strong and experienced Springbok coaching and management staff. We are looking forward to see improved performances this season.”

The 45-year-old Erasmus takes over the national coaching duties from Allister Coetzee, who was in charge of the Boks during the past two years. His three assistant coaches will be Jacques Nienaber, Pieter de Villiers and Mzwandile Stick, while Aled Walters will join the management team as Head of Athletic Performance.

Nienaber previously served as a Springbok defence coach for a short stint under Coetzee before joining Erasmus at Munster in 2016. De Villiers worked as scrum consultant under former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer from 2012 to 2015, while Stick was a member of the 2016 Springbok coaching staff before his involvement with the Junior Springboks last year.

Walters, who has considerable international experience gained from working in Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, joins the team from Irish side Munster, where he was their Head of Athletic Performance.

The first task awaiting Erasmus will be to prepare the Springboks for a once-off match against Wales in Washington DC and a tough three-Test Castle Lager Incoming Series against England, currently ranked number two in the world.

The Springbok management team is:

Head Coach: Rassie Erasmus

Assistant Coaches: Jacques Nienaber, Pieter de Villiers, Mzwandile Stick

Head of Athletic Performance: Aled Walters

Technical Analyst: Lindsay Weyer

Team Doctor: Konrad von Hagen

Head of Operations: Charles Wessels

Physiotherapists: Vivian Verwant, Rene Naylor, Tanu Pillay

Logistics Manager: JJ Fredericks

Media Manager: Rayaan Adriaanse

PR Manager: Annelee Murray