Why was Rassie Erasmus snubbed for World Rugby Coach of the Year?

While South Africa celebrates Malcom Marx winning the World Rugby Player of the Year award, there is criticism over why coach Rassie Erasmus was once again overlooked.

This year’s award went to John Mitchell in September, the head coach of the England women’s team, which won the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Despite previously winning the award in 2019, many believed Erasmus was a shoo-in given the Springboks’ utter dominance since winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup. 

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Speaking to 947’s Robert Marawa, sports editor Mike Greenaway says the rugby world’s attitude towards the Springboks has changed since 2019.

“I look back at the New Zealand golden era between 2006 and 2017, a New Zealand coach was Coach of the Year 12 times in 15 years. What is it that we are doing wrong?”

Former Junior Bok player Thando Manana says Erasmus has proven that he is a great coach.

“Taking South Africa from the lower 40s into the 80s. He has shaped this team culture, where there was no culture. What is critical for South African rugby is where it matters most, between those four white lines, we are performing.”

Manana adds that World Rugby awarding Marx the Player of the Year Award in the change room was also distasteful.

“It’s poor. It used to be a nice gala. It could have been done at a team function. If they needed to watch that game to make up their minds, then it is wrong. I think we need to bring respect back to rugby,” he says.

To listen to Manana and Greenaway in conversation with 947’s Robert Marawa, click below: