Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber’s contracts with SA Rugby could see the World Cup-winning coaches remain in charge of the Springboks until 2025.
According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Erasmus and Nienaber, as director of rugby and head coach respectively, can begin preparations for the Boks’ World Cup title defence this year secure in their jobs beyond the tournament in France, which kicks off in September.
Erasmus’ lawyer Frikkie Erasmus confirmed the former Bok loose forward’s current deal with SA Rugby to Rapport, although revealed an exit clause.
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“Rassie is contracted until 2025, but in terms of the terms of the contract, he has the right to end his contract earlier,” Frikkie said.
It is understood that SA Rugby president Mark Alexander also confirmed Erasmus and Nienaber’s contracts do not end after the World Cup.
The Boks are well positioned to defend their title in France, after a 2022 season that yielded eight wins from 13 Tests for a 62% winning percentage.
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However, after a controversial end to 2022 for Erasmus, speculation is that the 50-year-old will vacate his role after the global competition, with Nienaber to follow suit.
The world champions returned with two wins from four end-of-year Tests in Europe clouded by another Erasmus saga, as he completed a two-game matchday ban handed out by World Rugby following his criticism on social media of refereeing decisions.
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