Rassie Erasmus’ potential move to Ireland after the World Cup has been backed by former Springbok captain Victor Matfield.
Reports emerged in August that Erasmus has been placed on a shortlist of targets for a key role in Irish rugby.
According to the Rugby Paper, South Africa’s director of rugby is being sought after by the IRFU as the next performance director to replace David Nucifora, who said last October that he will be leaving his role in the next two years.
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The World Cup will be Jacques Nienaber’s last tournament as Bok head coach, as he has already agreed to return to Ireland with giants Leinster next season.
Springbok centurion Matfield shared his perspective about Erasmus’ future during an episode of The Rugby Pod podcast, saying that Nienaber’s move to Ireland is a strong indicator.
“It sounds like Rassie is going, he might stay for a few months just to get a few things in place,” Matfield said.
“But knowing Rassie and knowing Jacques [Nienaber], those two do everything together, so I think the chance of him going to Ireland must be 90 to 95%.
“The two of them love working together, so I think there’s a good chance that Rassie follows Jacques over there.”
Matfield was asked about who he would pick as the next Springbok head coach.
“If Rassie stays as director of rugby, then one of the current assistant coaches could have taken over the head coach role.
“If he doesn’t stay, then it should be someone from outside. Johan Ackermann has been coaching in Japan and must have a good chance.
“I’m a big fan of Johann van Graan, even though he’s not popular in Munster. He’s really doing very well at Bath and was with the Boks for six to eight years as an assistant coach so he knows the structures.”
Photo: MICHAEL BRADLEY / AFP
