Erasmus, Nienaber to leave Munster for SA Rugby

Editor

Rassie Erasmus will be leaving Munster and re-joining SA Rugby in December to fill a vacant position, it was confirmed on Friday.

Erasmus, who left a year ago to take up a position at the Irish province, will return as the Director of Rugby to oversee South African rugby’s eight national teams and participation and management of 20 competitions as well as the development of players, coaches and referees.

During his time in Ireland he was named as PRO12 Coach of the Year after leading Munster to the top the table for the first time in six years as well as to the semi-finals of the Champions Cup. Munster won 26 out of 32 matches in all competitions.

Erasmus's employment with Munster will terminate on 31 December 2017. Jacques Nienaber, who joined Erasmus in Ireland, is also returning to SA Rugby as high performance coach.

Allister Coetzee’s position as Springbok coach remains unchanged, said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby.

"Allister has done a great job to turn the Springboks around this season and I can categorically put to rest any idea that he is being replaced as Springbok coach," said Roux.

"We will do everything in our power to support him for the Castle Lager Rugby Championship and everything that lies beyond that."