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The seven front-runners to succeed Rassie Erasmus as Springboks boss
By Josh Raisey
Rassie Erasmus’ seven years with South Africa in various roles have brought success that many would scarcely have imagined when he first arrived. But his tenure will come to an end eventually.
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Though that is an unpleasant thought for many fans, there will no doubt be a succession plan in place to maintain the Springboks’ status.
Fortunately for Bok fans, that is not something to worry about for the time being with the double World Cup winner contracted until at least 2027. But the Boks Office team have been discussing who is best suited to take the reins when that day does arrive.
On the latest episode on RPTV, former Springboks Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger threw seven names into the ring.
This came after host Hanyani Shimange questioned whether Glasgow Warriors boss Franco Smith would be the guy to take over given the success he has had in Scotland guiding the Warriors to United Rugby Championship success last year against Jake White’s Bulls.
The main question both Burger and de Villiers asked is whether Erasmus will stay part of the South Africa system after his stint as head coach, as he did after 2019 by moving into a director of rugby role.
Should he remain part of the set-up, de Villiers and Burger highlighted current South Africa assistant coaches Mzwandile Stick and Tony Brown as the leading candidates to ascend to the role of head coach.
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However, should Erasmus step away from South African rugby entirely, there were five names that sprung out to Burger.
“I guess the issue is whether Rassie is completely out of the system?” the former flanker said.
“If Rassie moves to director, I think someone within the Rassie camp is going to take over. If you say Rassie is completely done with the Springboks, like he’s retired from all duties, then we’ll start afresh.
“So who are the next candidates? Franco is right up top there. Johan Ackermann. Frans Ludeke’s won two Super Rugbys. Johann van Graan leading the Premiership with Bath, lost in the final.”
De Villiers said: “For me, it’s not just that. You take the current group, remember they are guys employed by SA Rugby as coaches. You can’t just put someone at the top and then you continue with the guys, it needs to be a total clearout.
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“What we’ve seen within the system, they groom guys and then bring them through. That’s probably what will happen going forward. I think a guy like Stick. From all accounts, from everything I’ve heard from within the camp, he’s already taken a lot of responsibility, he’s been in that environment for a very long time. It’s about what you want, do you want continuity from that point of view, or do you want to start afresh? Then it’s about bringing in someone from the outside.”
Burger added: “I guess if Rassie walks away now, it would all open for Jacques Nienaber again. You can’t rule out his return.
“We’ve never had a foreign head coach, but I wouldn’t put it past a Tony Brown stepping up to the role one day.”
After adding another Rugby Championship to his trophy haul last year, as well as finishing the year ranked world number ones, Burger cannot see Erasmus vacating his post any time soon.
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TB is not going to head coach.
JN is the obvious one but a very interesting group of foreign coaches (who I've not even known) who could push their case or what they need to return home to prove their value first?
Why not Stick?
Bring in and groom Franco/ Johan assited by Willie. Get rid of Duane and swap out with Eben. Rassie to DOR. See how Stick takes it all and if strong and positive, make him head coach.
DOR for Toulouse.
Gotta continue having someone on the instead working their magic 🤪
I hear Eddie Jones will be available, he will do a good job of turning your fortunes around 😉
from the current Boks I would bet my money on Willie Le Roux in a coaching role for the future (that said, I never bet ....)
Yes yes he can sit on the couch and watch from there 😅😏
If we had to choose a successor now, has to be Franco Smith. Hands down.
Can't see us ever having a foreign head coach. Not going to happen.
Never say never. Felix Jones stands a chance, Tony Brown as well.
That said, Felix Jones would be first on my list followed by Jacques Nienaber, Franco Smith and Johan Ackermann.
If ever there was a clickbait article, this is it. Guaranteed to evoke passion and all the accompanying posts. I have to wonder whether Sir Alec Ferguson was also the subject of such speculation when he was Man U manager? The very thought of Rassie being replaced is about as welcoming as drinking castor oil.
Comment nothing to do with Rassie as coach. Was wondering why when SH sides tour north they have to play at least 4 of the NH sides over consecutive weekends, but when SH sides tour south in mid year they struggle to make play only 2 games and then only against one SH side. Why doesn’t Ireland play Argies, Aussies, ABs and then Boks in 4 consecutive weekends. That would then be fair and equal when comparing win/loss ratios?
What do you mean by "have to play"?
That doesn't happen. Sure, they don't know find much value in 3 game series because theyre not in it, but Wales played 3 games in Aus and one (South Africa) before they left. NZ has had 3 game Irish tour and 3 game French tour coming up. But you surely knew the reasons, what were you trying to make of it?
What win/loss do you speak of? They will be doing this from next year for the new Nations Cup ( with a couple of extra added to those four).
Never mind that you comment was nothing to do with Rassie, does it have anything to do with the article even? lol
Have you lookt at a globe of earth not a map?
Because they’d lose.
Moving Rassie on would be insane, but expecting him to be around forever is a bad idea. Perhaps it might be worth moving him to DOR again following 2027, with a view to possibly (or not!) having the head coach take full control of the team after 2031.
I'd have van Graan as the frontrunner for the head coaching role under Rassie. Felix Jones would be a good option too.
How could Rassie be around forever, Finn? That’s literally impossible.
He could demand multi million $ contracts in France or Japan right now.
Not necessarily in another 6 years or when he's "80".
Guys, guys, guys. Rassie’s around until at least 2036. If Gatland can linger around the international arena, like a poo that won’t flush, trust me. Rassie can stick around longer.
I genuinely think the springboks are his life. And would never coach an international team against the boks.
Naas Botha and I concur. Rassie should coach till he’s 80.
Terrible idea.
To soon to say. Tony still needs to prove himself. But even so - I think Tony will be AB coach someday.
"till he's 90" like Deadpool would say ;-)
That's very naive thinking. NZR level holding onto player thinking!
Good to see you've still got that old fight in ya!