South Africa name Rassie Erasmus as new head coach

by The TRU Team Thursday 1 March 2018

Rassie Erasmus has signed a five-year deal with South African rugby union

©PA

South Africa have confirmed the appointment of former flanker Rassie Erasmus as their new head coach until the end of the 2023 World Cup.

Erasmus, who held the position of Director of Rugby with the Springboks will take the vacant position created by Allister Coetzee, who was sacked from the role last month.

"I'm privileged. It's a huge task to coach the Springboks," he said.

"I really believe we have the players and the rugby to turn things around and to mount a serious challenge at the RWC."

The 45-year-old has played 36 Tests for the Springboks between 1997 and 2001 also was also the Director of Rugby of Munster in 2016 and 2017 before he switched to South Africa for a similar role.

Jacques Nienaber, Pieter de Villiers and Mzwandile Stick have been appointed as assistants to Erasmus.