Erasmus, Munster to part ways?

Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus could part ways with the PRO12 runners-up according to media reports.

A report in the Irish Independent states that Erasmus triggered a six-months’ notice clause in his contract. This is the same clause used by Connacht's Pat Lam before he departed for Bristol.

It has also been reported in South Africa's Sunday Times that Erasmus could be appointed as SA Rugby’s director of rugby. This will mean that Springbok coach Allister Coetzee will report to Erasmus, who joined Munster in April 2016.

At the end of March this year, Erasmus denied that he would return to South Africa to join the Springbok management team.

Erasmus stated that he has a contract to fulfill at Munster.

“I worked and lived in South Africa as a coach for 16 years and I speak to them weekly, on a formal and informal basis, but at this stage I have a full contract which is three years and it’s just speculation,” Erasmus told The 42 at the time.

“I’m big friends with the current coaches and management team. There’s been formal and informal chats the past few months. Some have been requests, some have been pure chats.

“I’ve got a contract with the IRFU and nothing’s changing.”

And following Munster's Champions Cup semi-final loss to Saracens in April, the 44-year-old said he would not be leaving the province.

When asked by a reporter if he would be staying on to oversee Munster's development, Erasmus replied:  Yes.". “Hopefully, you mean with the winning and trying to get the winning culture going?”

But when the reporter said that's not what he meant but rather if Erasmus would stay with Munster for the next few years, he answered: "Yes, yes, yes, yes.”

And when it was enquired of him if that ends the speculation, Ersamus said: "I’ve never been speculating about this!”