Rassie’s Springbok choice: Only a few candidates left

Director of rugby Rassie Erasmus will play a key role in guiding SA Rugby on who to appoint as the next Springbok head coach. 

This has been confirmed by SA Rugby’s acting CEO Rian Oberholzer.

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Erasmus leading the way

“We will be led by the director of rugby (Erasmus),” said Oberholzer.

“Thanks to succession planning, Jacques was appointed from within [SA Rugby’s] structures. We believe this is the correct way to go forward.”

ALSO READ: Springbok coach shortlist: Only THREE in the race?

You can only but read that Oberholzer has now confirmed that SA Rugby is not looking at an overseas coach. That leaves the likes of former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt and Irish star Ronan O’Gara out of the running.

Springbok assistants first choice it seems

It also directly puts current Springbok assistant coaches Mzwandile Stick and Deon Davids in pole position. While a coach like John Dobson, who won back to back URC shields and in fact, the inaugural title, with the Stormers as an outsider.

Speaking to Media24 recently, SA Rugby president Marx Alexander played down any crisis or rash decisions.

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“It’s no crisis because it’s not like we are now forced to hire somebody tomorrow. There is no rush,” said Alexander. “We’ve got succession planning that has been in place for a long time. We must look at that succession plan and all the other things we need to do.

“Some coaches have come a long way with us and have walked the walk with us. People always criticise South African Rugby for not planning, but we are planning. We have systems in place, and we know where we’re going. The trouble is that everybody wants to know who [is next].”

ALSO READ: Why SA Rugby could be looking for TWO top coaches

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