Springbok coach

South Africa assistant coach Mzwandile Stick. Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

A look to the future: Who should be the next Springboks coach?

There is one clear-cut local candidate who should become the next Springboks boss whenever a coaching change takes place.

Springbok coach

South Africa assistant coach Mzwandile Stick. Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

Since 2018, Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber have been in the ‘top job’ positions for the Springboks, taking the team to new heights.

Erasmus, of course, initially served as the head coach as the Springboks went on to claim a third world title at the 2019 global showpiece in Japan. The 50-year-old then stepped into a new role as director of rugby, while Nienaber took over as head coach, which has included leading the side to a series win over the British & Irish Lions in 2021.

Should the Springboks go on to defend their world title next year, there is every chance that the two coaches could continue in a frontline role with the national team. 

However, after the 2023 World Cup, the duo would have been involved with the Springboks for a taxing six-year period, and there is also a possibility they could move on to new challenges.

ALSO READ | SPRINGBOKS’ BEST MATCHDAY 23: WHERE WOULD POLLARD FIT IN?

Whatever the case may be, SA Rugby may begin to consider their succession planning, and who should be the next head coach if a change is required at the end of 2023.

A case could be made for SA Rugby to try and lure highly popular New Zealand coach Scott Robertson to South Africa, while Eddie Jones is now a free agent after leaving England. 

However, I don’t believe there is any reason why the Springboks would need to appoint a ‘foreign’ coach.

ALSO READ | WORLD XV RUGBY TEAM OF THE YEAR: PLENTY SPRINGBOKS FEATURE!

The Springboks have an option to promote from within

Within the current South African setup, assistant coach Mzwandile Stick has worked alongside Erasmus and Nienaber for the better part of the last five years.

By all accounts, he has grown immeasurably as a coach during this time, going from strength to strength in terms of his overall contribution to the team.  

Stick is an extremely popular figure with the players, but he is also a man of strong convictions, capable of cracking the whip when necessary.

The 38-year-old was once viewed as the scapegoat during the initial unsuccessful Allister Coetzee tenure, but Erasmus knew that Stick could add great value when he welcomed him back into the national coaching setup from 2018.

Stick has gained invaluable experience in the Bok management, and is incredibly familiar with the system, culture and nuances of the Springboks team and within South African rugby.

To once again promote from within the Springboks coaching setup would represent calm and clear-minded thinking, and duly reward Stick for his progression as highly-regarded coach who boasts all the necessary attributes to take on this challenging job.

So for me, when looking to the future, I believe the Springboks should be able to rest calmly in the knowledge that if and when it comes time to consider who should be the next head coach, they really won’t have to look too far.

OPINION: RASSIE ERASMUS CAN CEMENT HIS LEGACY IN 2023!

Mzwandile Stick with Siya Kolisi. Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images