Rassie Erasmus has been backed to keep the Springboks flourishing under his leadership as he prepares to step back into the role of head coach in 2024.
Erasmus, South Africa’s director of rugby, has taken back the head coach reins following Jacques Nienaber’s departure to Irish club Leinster.
The 51-year-old is no stranger to combining both roles, as he served as both director and coach when he returned to South Africa from Ireland in 2018, taking the Springboks to the 2019 World Cup title.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether Erasmus will stay in charge for the next four-year cycle, but he has been supported by Cobus Reinach.
The veteran scrumhalf, who was part of both World Cup wins in 2019 and 2023, told Midi Olympique that the Springboks will continue to soar under Erasmus.
“It’s awesome. With Jacques, Rassie probably formed the best coaching duo in the history of South African rugby. The way they prepared for matches was incredible,” he said.
“I am very happy that Rassie remains in charge of the Springboks, it is the best thing that could have happened to South African rugby.
“He will continue to build on the two world titles, and keep South Africa on the top step of world rugby.”
Reinach started four games at the 2023 World Cup, including the quarter-final and semi-final victories over France and England respectively.
Now 34, Reinach insisted that his body feels as fresh as ever and he is still very happy to continue to push for a place in the Springbok squad.
“After this season, I will still have one year of my contract left. I am very happy here and it is still too early to comment on my future,” he said.
“In any case, we are very happy to be here as is my wife. And I want to keep going until my body tells me to stop. For now, it tells me to continue, so …”
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