Sir Clive Woodward urges Wales to follow Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks example that has brought ‘unprecedented’ success

Dylan Coetzee 19 Nov 2024 8:12 AM

Split with Rassie Erasmus, Sam Warburton and Sir Clive Woodward.

Former England head coach Sir Clive Woodward has urged Wales to follow the example set by South Africa and Rassie Erasmus as they look to climb out of their slump.

The second stint for Warren Gatland at Wales has not gone according to plan with the side slumping to their 11th consecutive defeat – the worst run in the country’s history that has included losses to both Italy and Georgia during that period.

South African example

Woodward, who coached England to their sole World Cup in 2003, believes that Wales can take some learnings from South Africa. The Springboks were in a dark place when Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber took over in 2018 and the duo went on to deliver two World Cups in a row.

Writing in his Daily Mail column, the former coach feels the appointment of ex-Wales captain Sam Warburton would be a step in the right direction.

“I would urge Wales to look at the great Sam Warburton as someone to consider,” Woodward wrote.

“The best example of the success that an international team can have by employing a strong director of rugby is South Africa. Having won back-to-back World Cups, the Springboks have had unprecedented joy with Rassie Erasmus working alongside Jacques Nienaber.

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“They have created a system that totally prioritises the South African national side. Erasmus is now back as head coach after Nienaber joined Leinster, but I don’t think he is that hands-on.

“He oversees the operation and lets the coaches below him do the work.

“Both England and Wales could learn a lot from the way the Springboks have gone about things.”