JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 01: Mzwandile Stick during the South African men’s national rugby team captain’s media conference at Palazzo Hotel, Montecasino on July 01, 2022 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images)
Springbok coach favourites have contracts extended
SA Rugby have extended the contracts of Springbok coaches Mzwandile Stick and Deon Davids until after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 01: Mzwandile Stick during the South African men’s national rugby team captain’s media conference at Palazzo Hotel, Montecasino on July 01, 2022 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images)
SA Rugby have extended the contracts of Springbok coaches Mzwandile Stick and Deon Davids.
Mzwandile Stick and Deon Davids have contracts extended to 2027
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The assistants have emerged as the favourites to take over when Jacques Nienaber vacates the head coach role after the Rugby World Cup in France later this year.
The pair have signed on until the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
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“We are delighted to announce that Mzwandile, Deon, and Andy have signed contract extensions that will see them remain with the Springboks until the 2027 Rugby World Cup,” said Rian Oberholzer, SA Rugby‘s interim CEO.
“They all come a long way as a coaching team under the guidance of Rassie, and I am confident that the continuity in our coaching staff will bode well for the Springboks for 2023 and the following seasons.
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“It was our ambition to retain all the current coaching staff in recognition of the excellent work they have done over the past six years, regardless of the outcomes of the Rugby World Cup later this year, and we are pleased that most of them have agreed to continue with the team.”
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Springbok coach not yet decided
Olberholzer also rubbished any suggestion that Rassie Erasmus would leave his role as Director of Rugby after the World Cup.
He would add that the process of deciding the next Springbok coach was yet to be concluded.
“The planning to confirm a successor in the title role of Springbok coach remains ongoing in the background, while Rassie’s services are tied down to the end of 2025 at the very least,” said Oberholzer.
“With their services secured, it is business as usual, and we would like to wish all the national coaches the best of luck as their preparations pick up for the forthcoming international season and the Rugby World Cup in France.”
