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

Women’s British and Irish Lions Tour 2027: Fixtures, schedule, venues for historic tour of New Zealand

Women’s British and Irish Lions Tour 2027: Fixtures, schedule, venues for historic tour of New Zealand

The dates, fixtures and host cities have been revealed for Howden British & Irish Lions’ historic Women’s Series in New Zealand in 2027. and will...

England Women's World Cup winning head coach John Mitchell signs new long-term deal with Red Roses

England Women's World Cup winning head coach John Mitchell signs new long-term deal with Red Roses

England's World Cup winning head coach John Mitchell has signed a long-term deal with the Red Roses.Mitchell led England to World Cup glory in 2025 an...

Bundee Aki to miss Ireland's first three Six Nations games after four-game ban verbally abusing officials

Bundee Aki to miss Ireland's first three Six Nations games after four-game ban verbally abusing officials

Ireland centre Bundee Aki will miss the first three matches of the Six Nations after receiving a four‑game ban for "verbal abuse and disrespect" direc...

Six Nations: Jamie George warns England risk seeing title aspirations crumble if they fail to evolve

Six Nations: Jamie George warns England risk seeing title aspirations crumble if they fail to evolve

Jamie George insists England must evolve in the wake of a triumphant 2025 or risk seeing their Guinness Six Nations title ambitions crumble.Steve Bort...

Ireland Rugby: IRFU investigating 'cowardly' racist abuse directed towards Edwin Edogbo after debut vs Italy

Ireland Rugby: IRFU investigating 'cowardly' racist abuse directed towards Edwin Edogbo after debut vs Italy

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) is investigating racist abuse directed at Edwin Edogbo following his international debut.Munster second row Edog...

Six Nations: England's Immanuel Feyi-Waboso in danger of missing entire tournament after suffering hamstring injury in training

Six Nations: England's Immanuel Feyi-Waboso in danger of missing entire tournament after suffering hamstring injury in training

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been ruled out of England's pivotal clash with Scotland and is in danger of missing the entire Six Nations.Feyi-Waboso suffer...