Former Springbok: ‘I wouldn’t have extended Rassie’s contract’

Since returning to South Africa in 2018, Rassie Erasmus has overseen a period of unprecedented success with the Springboks, and next year the team will be targeting a hat-trick of World Cup titles.

Erasmus has been involved in 89 Tests with the Springboks as either director of rugby or head coach since taking charge in 2018 – winning 64 of them (72%).

In 2024, his title changed to Springbok head coach, and he has not only overseen South Africa winning the Rugby Championship in the last two years, but they also finished the last three seasons as the top-ranked team in the world.

This remarkable success earned Erasmus a recent contract extension to 2031, which seemed like the easiest decision in the world for SA Rugby.

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Interestingly, former Springbok Gio Aplon has suggested that after this World Cup cycle, there will be a new generation of players, and perhaps it would have made sense to also bring in a new coaching staff.

“No other person in the world would say what I’m saying now, and yes, Rassie is the best coach at the moment, but I wouldn’t have signed him post-2027,” he said during an interview on the Behind the Ruck podcast.

“Because remember, the (Springboks’) old guard is walking in front now. The old guard is carrying this flag. But as soon as they’re out of the way with this coaching style and this group being together as a coaching staff and whatever, there’s a new breed coming through that might complain like they (the All Blacks players) complained with Razor (former All Blacks coach Scott Robertson).

“I’m not saying that’s going to happen but I’m very cautious with 2031. We haven’t even played this (2027) World Cup yet and we’ve given the job away.”

No second thoughts for Erasmus

While it’s unlikely that many Springbok fans will agree with Aplon, it does raise an interesting question about the dawning of a new player era after the 2027 World Cup.

Whatever the case may be, Erasmus said it was an easy decision for him to extend his contract.

“This was a quick and easy conversation to reach agreement. I have always said that I would find it hard to coach any other international team, and I’m very happy to continue as long as the South African public wants me,” Erasmus commented.

“I’d like to thank SA Rugby and the franchises for the support and backing they have given me and the Springboks over the past few years. It hasn’t always been easy but we’re improving. Although this a long-term agreement we’re not looking beyond a really tough 2026 schedule right now.”