Erasmus confirmed for Munster top job

Former Springbok player and SARU General Manager: High Performance Teams, Rassie Erasmus, has been appointed as Munster’s new Director of Rugby this summer on a three-year deal.

The announcement is part of a shake up in the side’s backroom after a disappointing season for Munster.  Head coach Anthony Foley will stay on. There is talk that Erasmus may be joined by long-term colleague, friend and Springbok defence coach Jacques Nienaber.

Erasmus made his international debut for the Springboks in 1997 against the British and Irish Lions in Johannesburg. In 1999 the star flanker moved from Free State to the Golden Lions and also earned five caps for his country in the RWC hosted that year.

Erasmus was in line for the top job at the Springboks earlier this year, but withdrew. Reports speculated that this was because he had grown tired of the politics and infighting that plagued SARU.

"We are delighted to announce Rassie Erasmus as Munster Rugby's Director of Rugby. In recruiting Rassie we are securing the services of a world-class individual who was the stand out candidate for this newly created position," said Garrett Fitzgerald, Munster Rugby CEO.

"In addition to his extensive playing and coaching experience Rassie's current role has afforded him the opportunity to develop his skill-set further, garnering invaluable knowledge and expertise while implementing an all-encompassing rugby programme which will be key to this role." 

"The Director of Rugby role will lead Munster's senior team, academy and coaches to deliver Munster's Strategic Plan with ultimate responsibility for team performance and results. The role will have overall responsibility for defining on field strategy and ensuring its implementation."

Rassie Erasmus said, "It is a huge honour to have been appointed by Munster Rugby in the newly created role of Director of Rugby.

"It is an opportunity which comes with a huge responsibility not only to the club who has a proud 137-year history, but also the supporters and the wider community.

"It is a challenge which I humbly accepted but with a clear desire to use all my past experience as a player, coach and administrative High Performance manager, to make Munster Rugby one of the top rugby clubs in Europe. "