Rugby Union Dec 07, 2025

Rassie Erasmus: South Africa head coach signs four-year contract extension

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Rassie Erasmus: South Africa head coach signs four-year contract extension

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has extended his contract for a further four years.

As director of rugby, Erasmus guided the Springboks to World Cup success in both 2019 and 2023, before his title changed to head coach last year.

"This was a quick and easy conversation to reach agreement," Erasmus said.

"I have always said that I would find it hard to coach any other international team, and I'm very happy to continue as long as the South African public wants me."

Erasmus' contract will now run until after the 2031 Rugby World Cup in the United States.

"This decision reflects not only Rassie's remarkable track record of success, but also the enduring impact he has made in shaping the identity of our game," SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said.

The news comes days after back-to-back defending champions South Africa were drawn in Pool B with Italy, Georgia and Romania at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth has been banned for 12 weeks for gouging the eye of Wales flanker Alex Mann.

The 34-year-old Sharks player was sent off in the closing stages of the Springboks' 73-0 win in Cardiff on Saturday after match officials reviewed footage of the incident.

An independent disciplinary panel deemed the act to be "intentional" but reduced the suspension from 18 weeks to 12 due to mitigating factors, including Etzebeth's previous record.

Two-time World Cup winner Etzebeth - the most-capped Springboks player in history, with 141 appearances - will complete his ban on March 27, 2026.

South Africa's next fixture is set to be against England in Johannesburg in July on the first weekend of the inaugural Nations Championship.

Tags:

rugby-union news id:13479626

Share this article

Related Posts

Six Nations 2027: Ireland vs England starts men's tournament with England vs Scotland on final weekend

Six Nations 2027: Ireland vs England starts men's tournament with England vs Scotland on final weekend

The 2027 Men's Six Nations will begin with a clash between Ireland and England in Dublin.That heavyweight contest will take place on Friday February 5...

Six Nations: England taken to the cleaners by Ireland and Italy feel it is perfect chance, says Will Greenwood 

Six Nations: England taken to the cleaners by Ireland and Italy feel it is perfect chance, says Will Greenwood 

Will Greenwood insists there is no magic wand to fix England's woes and that Steve Borthwick's side could be drawn into a dark place against Italy aft...

Six Nations: Ireland's James Lowe to miss remainder of tournament after injury sustained in win at Twickenham

Six Nations: Ireland's James Lowe to miss remainder of tournament after injury sustained in win at Twickenham

Ireland winger James Lowe will miss the remainder of the Six Nations with a groin injury sustained during last weekend's win over England.The 33-year-...

Gallagher Prem shake-up: Promotion and relegation to be scrapped as English rugby's top tier heads for franchise league

Gallagher Prem shake-up: Promotion and relegation to be scrapped as English rugby's top tier heads for franchise league

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has confirmed a major overhaul of English rugby's top tier that will see the Gallagher Prem expanded but fundamentally...

Six Nations - Ireland vs Wales: Reaction, analysis, news, as Andy Farrell's side claim bonus-point win in Dublin

Six Nations - Ireland vs Wales: Reaction, analysis, news, as Andy Farrell's side claim bonus-point win in Dublin

Wilson verbally agrees terms on new West Ham dealLatest from Your Site News' Lyall Thomas and Chris Reidy:Callum Wilson has verbally agreed terms on a...

Six Nations 2027: Ireland vs England starts men's tournament with England vs Scotland on final weekend

Six Nations 2027: Ireland vs England starts men's tournament with England vs Scotland on final weekend

The 2027 Men's Six Nations will begin with a clash between Ireland and England in Dublin.That heavyweight contest will take place on Friday February 5...