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

Champions Cup: Toulon crush Glasgow's hopes of reaching first Champions Cup semi-final in 22-19 win over  hosts

Champions Cup: Toulon crush Glasgow's hopes of reaching first Champions Cup semi-final in 22-19 win over hosts

Glasgow Warriors' dream of reaching their first-ever Investec Champions Cup semi-final ended in disappointment as they were beaten 22-19 by RC Toulon...

Red Roses statement 84-7 win over Scotland 'special', says head coach John Mitchell

Red Roses statement 84-7 win over Scotland 'special', says head coach John Mitchell

England women head coach John Mitchell has hailed their 87-4 win over Scotland in the second round of the Women's Six Nations as 'special' after a wee...

Six Nations 2026 review: France's winning contradictions, England's optimistic loss, Scotland's eternal issue, Wales' relief, and Ireland's slip up

Six Nations 2026 review: France's winning contradictions, England's optimistic loss, Scotland's eternal issue, Wales' relief, and Ireland's slip up

It is being touted as the most entertaining Six Nations ever, and looking at the pre-tournament script compared to the end credits, you can see just w...

Six Nations: Maro Itoje says England 'are going places' despite record fourth tournament loss but will Steve Borthwick remain in charge?

Six Nations: Maro Itoje says England 'are going places' despite record fourth tournament loss but will Steve Borthwick remain in charge?

Maro Itoje insists England "are going places" despite enduring their worst Six Nations campaign, while head coach Steve Borthwick remains adamant he i...

Six Nations 2026: Men's fixtures, schedule, dates, Calcutta Cup and more as France defend championship title

Six Nations 2026: Men's fixtures, schedule, dates, Calcutta Cup and more as France defend championship title

All the fixtures and schedule for the 2026 Men's Six Nations as France defended their title against England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy. Franc...

Six Nations: Will Greenwood expects RFU to stick with Steve Borthwick and lead England into 2027 World Cup

Six Nations: Will Greenwood expects RFU to stick with Steve Borthwick and lead England into 2027 World Cup

Former World Cup winner Will Greenwood says he expects England to stick with head coach Steve Borthwick despite a shocking Six Nations campaign.After...