South African Rugby is racing against time to tie down double World Cup-winning coach Rassie Erasmus, with his current deal only running through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
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Despite that tournament still being two years away, pressure is mounting in Cape Town as Erasmus’ global reputationand foreign offers have intensified talks. Reports suggest the Springbok mastermind has received at least two lucrative approaches from abroad, testing SA Rugby’s ability to keep their talisman at the helm.
According to Rapport, Rassie’s lawyer — and namesake — Frikkie Erasmus is pushing for a new deal to 2031, ensuring Rassie and his full coaching unit remain in charge through the USA World Cup.
However, that’s proving to be the sticking point. Rassie is reportedly adamant that any new contract must secure his entire backroom team, not just extend his own tenure.
SA Rugby, for their part, are desperate to keep him. Since taking charge in 2018, Erasmus has transformed the Boks into the world’s most formidable Test side, delivering back-to-back World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023.
But there’s a twist — Tony Brown, Rassie’s tactical lieutenant and former All Blacks fly-half, is also in hot demand. Brown has admirers across the globe and was even lined up for a role in New Zealand’s setup had Jamie Joseph edged Scott Robertson to the All Blacks job.
That leaves SA Rugby with a crucial challenge: keeping Rassie means keeping his crew.
And just to spice things up, Rassie himself has previously admitted he’d “love to coach England” under the right circumstances — a role that could well become available after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
If SA Rugby want to keep their king, they’ll need to move fast — and make it worth his while.
EDITOR’S PICKS
Ranking the 10 Greatest Rugby Coaches Ever
Rugby, like all truly great sports, isn’t just decided on the field—it’s also shaped by the strategies, decisions, and inspiration of those guiding from the sidelines.
Behind every World Cup victory, every unforgettable Test match, and every era of dominance stands a coach whose vision, determination, and creativity elevated their team to greatness.
In this article, we honor the greatest rugby coaches of all time—masters of the game who didn’t just collect trophies but built legacies that continue to define how rugby is played today.
10 Eddie Jones
Few coaches have had as varied and impactful a career as Eddie Jones. Known for his sharp rugby intellect and ability to spring tactical surprises, Jones has made a habit of rewriting the script. He took Australia to the 2003 Rugby World Cup final, masterminded Japan’s legendary upset over South Africa in 2015, and led England to the 2019 World Cup final. Whether adapting to new cultures or revamping underperforming sides, Jones has proven to be a master strategist—never afraid to innovate, and always ready to outthink the opposition.
9 Guy Novès
For over two decades, Guy Novès was the architect of Toulouse’s dominance in French rugby. Under his stewardship, the club clinched 10 Top 14 titles and 4 Heineken Cups, establishing a culture of excellence that elevated Toulouse from a strong regional team to a European powerhouse. Though his stint as France’s head coach didn’t reach the same heights—hampered by scheduling challenges, an evolving game, and limited player access—his impact on French rugby is undeniable. Novès’ influence still echoes through the current success of Stade Toulousain, a team partly shaped by his legacy.
8 Rod Macqueen
When talking about golden eras in Australian rugby, Rod Macqueen’s name is front and centre. He led the Wallabies to Rugby World Cup glory in 1999 and followed it up with a Tri-Nations title. Macqueen was the mastermind behind Australia’s clinical, methodical style of play that earned them a 2001 series win over the British & Irish Lions. His ability to instil belief and consistency turned Australia into a global force and laid the foundations for a new generation of Wallabies.
7 Jake White
Taking over a Springbok side in disarray in 2004, Jake White set about rebuilding from the ground up—and succeeded beyond all expectations. By 2007, South Africa were world champions once again, their campaign defined by brutal defence and set-piece mastery. White’s knack for identifying talent helped launch the careers of stars like Frans Steyn. His coaching influence has since spanned the globe, but it’s that 2007 World Cup triumph that remains his crowning achievement.
6 Carwyn James
Carwyn James was as principled as he was brilliant. A man of deep conviction, he famously stayed in the changing rooms in protest during a 1970 match against apartheid-era South Africa. But it was on the field where his legacy was cemented—guiding the British & Irish Lions to their only series win over the All Blacks in 1971, and masterminding Llanelli’s legendary 1972 victory over the same opponents.
James also led the Barbarians to their famous 1973 win over New Zealand, inspiring Phil Bennett’s unforgettable sidestepping run. Though he never coached Wales at Test level, his influence was profound, extending all the way to Italy, where he won a title with Rugby Rovigo.
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