Head coach for 2019 win was in director of rugby role for 2023, but will return to top role as Jacques Nienaber moves to Leinster
Rassie Erasmus has confirmed he is to return as the head coach of the world champions, South Africa. Photograph: Mike Egerton/PAJacques Nienaber guided the Springboks to their second successive World Cup triumph this year, but will now take up a new role at Irish side Leinster. Erasmus will return to the position he held when South Africa lifted the trophy in 2019, having been heavily involved in the side’s 2023 triumph as their director of rugby.
Erasmus is revered in South Africa for his innovation, tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of the players at his disposal. His influence was never far from the Springboks team as they defended their title in France, but the outspoken coach has also courted controversy at times.URC: Scrappy Leinster do enough to secure bonus point victory over Edinburgh
What is not in question, however, is his ability to galvanise the Springboks on and off the pitch when it matters most. After lifting the World Cup as head coach four years ago, Erasmus took the reins as director of rugby and steered the team to a record fourth World Cup title, clinched with a 12-11 victory over New Zealand in the final.