WATCH: It’s not certain SA Rugby will extend Rassie Erasmus’ contract beyond 2027

Chante Ho Hip

Chante Ho Hip

18 November 2025 | 7:03

He has been part of the coaching staff since 2018, leading the country to 2019 World Cup Glory as head coach, and a 2023 Rugby World Cup victory as Director of Rugby.

WATCH: It’s not certain SA Rugby will extend Rassie Erasmus’ contract beyond 2027

FILE: South Africa's head coach Rassie Erasmus holds a ball ahead of the international rugby union Test match between South Africa and Italy at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on 12 July 2025. Picture: AFP

The scrum around coach Rassie Erasmus’s long-term future at the Springboks is gaining momentum. 

He is signed to South Africa's national rugby team until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. 

Erasmus has been part of the coaching staff since 2018, leading the country to 2019 World Cup glory as head coach and a 2023 Rugby World Cup victory as Director of Rugby. 

The Springboks' 32-17 victory against France marked his 50th test as Bok coach, just four away from Jake White’s 54. 

If the 53-year-old does not extend his contract beyond 2027, it puts the future of the technical staff into question. 

Speaking to 947’s Robert Marawa, sports journalist Mike Greenaway sees no reason why Erasmus' contract should not be renewed.

“We are in the Golden Age of Springbok rugby! The Springboks have never had a success rate like this. Why do we want to change?

“While Rassie has got these structures in place and the Springboks are doing so well, I am not sure why we would want to change something. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” implores Greenaway. 

Former Junior Bok Thando Manana echoes the sentiment, noting that Erasmus has built an incredible technical team around him.

“He created a high wall of that management team; no one at the South African Rugby Union offices can touch those assistant coaches or his technical team. If he goes, they all go. If he stays, they all stay. It is as simple as that. And as things look now, I don’t think we even have to entertain it,” he says.

To watch Manana and Greenaway in conversation with 947’s Robert Marawa, watch below:

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