The search for a new Springbok head coach is reportedly set to be delayed until 2025 as Rassie Erasmus is expected to step into the role after the World Cup.
SA Rugby this week announced that assistant coaches Deon Davids, Mzwandile Stick and Daan Human, as well as head of athletic performance Andy Edwards, had all extended their contracts until 2027.
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This created the expectation that one of Davids or Stick, who have previously held head coaching roles in a provincial capacity, were being lined up to take over from Jacques Nienaber, who will be leaving for Leinster after the 2023 World Cup.
However, according to Sunday newspaper Rapport, SA Rugby’s plan is to re-install Erasmus as the head coach until 2025.
Instead, SA Rugby is reportedly looking for a new defence coach, as well as to replace ex-Ireland fullback Felix Jones, who played a crucial role in the coaching staff but will be taking up a position with England.
This would also allow Erasmus to fully prepare one of Davids or Stick to take over as head coach in time for the next World Cup in Australia.
Erasmus, whose contract with SA Rugby runs until 2025, juggled both the head coach and director of rugby roles when he was first appointed in 2018, leading the Boks to the 2019 World Cup.
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