The Springboks hope that they never have to part ways with Rassie Erasmus and are delighted he is staying on as head coach, says tighthead prop Vincent Koch.
SA Rugby director of rugby Erasmus will take back the reins as head coach this year, after Jacques Nienaber’s departure to Leinster.
Erasmus has masterminded South Africa’s historic back-to-back World Cup triumphs in Japan and France, turning a struggling Springboks into the best team in the world.
The 50-year-old is contracted with SA Rugby until at least 2025, with the possibility that he will stay on until the next World Cup in 2027.
“It’s very important that Rassie remains at the helm of affairs,” Koch told Sunday newspaper Rapport.
“He plays a very big role. Knowing he stays with us means a lot. Much of our success is due to Race. He is the brain behind als. With him there, it means the Boks can be successful for a few more years
“I’m not saying if the next guy steps in he won’t be successful. I’m just saying that with the current group, and where we are, Rassie is a mainstay. Everyone around the world respects him. Success follows him wherever he goes.”
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