Ex-Springbok player Rassie Erasmus named new S. African coach

Rassie Erasmus was confirmed as the new coach of South Africa on Thursday, replacing Allister Coetzee as the Springboks look towards being contenders for World Cup glory in Japan next year.

Erasmus has signed a five-year contract to the end of the 2023 World Cup in France and has been tasked with improving the results of the side after they slipped to sixth in the World Rugby rankings.

“I’m privileged. It’s a huge task to coach the Springboks,” Erasmus said.

The 45 year old South Africa played for the Springboks and also had a stint as Munster director of rugby before returning to South Africa in 2017.

“I really believe we have the players and the rugby to turn things around and to mount a serious challenge at the RWC,’‘ Erasmus added.

Jacques Nienaber, Pieter de Villiers and Mzwandile Stick will assist Erasmus, and Aled Walters will join the management team as head of athletic performance.

New faces in Springboks camp in the shape of Munster men Rassie Erasmus jacnienaber and AledWalters who will remain in South Africa until #RWC2023 . Best of luck to them in their new roles and thanking them once again for their fantastic service in Munster #SUAF pic.twitter.com/HQgW8mOJ64

— Munster Rugby News (Munsterrugbyhq) March 1, 2018

South Africans welcomed the development and will be hoping he revives their fortunes after the Springboks fell from fifth to sixth in the most recent world rakings.

Congratulations to Rassie Erasmus being appointed as Springbok Head Coach for 6 years including the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France!

— Kevin D (@KevinD959) March 1, 2018

New coach for #Bokke hopefully he will bring happy days back in the Springbok camp. SARU must make Rassie Erasmus 's goals to achieve public so just we know as the fans what to expect too from him not get surprised.

— Kedumetse Makape (@amogee) March 1, 2018

The country’s Rugby CEO Jurie Roux said the changes to the Springboks management team were the result of a “very detailed review” of the 2017 season.