JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Rassie Erasmus will coach South Africa to the 2031 Rugby World Cup in the United States after his contract was extended by four years on Friday.
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander made the announcement at the general meeting of member unions.
Erasmus, a former Springboks captain, was the mastermind behind South Africa's back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023 as head coach and then director of rugby.
His title was changed in 2024 back to head coach and South Africa has won the last two Rugby Championships. His second stint as the coach has netted 23 wins in 27 tests (85%).
The team has finished the last three international seasons ranked No. 1.
“This was a quick and easy conversation to reach agreement,” the 53-year-old Erasmus said in a statement. “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.”
He acknowledged that support from SA Rugby and the franchises “hasn't always been easy but we're improving.”
“Although this is a long-term agreement we're not looking beyond a really tough 2026 schedule right now.”
The Springboks open 2026 against England at Ellis Park on July 4 to kick off the new Nations Championship, and also host a full three-test tour by New Zealand.
Alexander said Erasmus has made “an enduring impact in shaping the identity of our game.”
“His ability to adapt, innovate and inspire has positioned South African rugby as a benchmark for others, while safeguarding the traditions and values that make our game a source of national pride.”
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Please purchase a Premium Subscription to continue reading.
To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.
We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.
A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means you’re helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
Only subscribers can view and post comments on articles.
Already a subscriber? Login Here
“A dazzling delight for all ages” Read moreRodger's & Hammerstein's Cinderella
Join us for Bay Area Youth Ballet's magical holiday tradition as The Nutcracker comes to lif… Read moreThe Nutcracker Presented By Bay Area Youth Ballet
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.