The South Africa head coach has publicly addressed the claims made on Wednesday morning
Erasmus has spoken out following the April 1 report(Image: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has addressed shock reports that he is to replace Steve Borthwick as England boss, taking to social media to share a two-word message.
The world of rugby was left in shock on Wednesday morning (April 1), as South African publication SA Rugby Mag reported that Eramus was set to “formally resign” from his position after receiving “an offer he could not refuse” from the Rugby Football Union. The report added that he had signed a “multi-year” deal to replace Borthwick in the role, following England’s dismal Six Nations campaign.
“The RFU believes Erasmus can engineer a turnaround similar to the one he masterminded with the Springboks after taking charge in 2018,” the report claimed.
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“Personal reasons are also believed to have played a role, with Rassie’s beloved bulldog, Frank, keen to return to his roots in Britain.”
Of course, today is April Fools Day and the report is just a joke – with Eramus addressing the claims himself as he took to X to write: “April 1”.
However, that hasn’t stopped some rugby fans falling for it, with supporters admitting they “nearly collapsed” and “almost cried” after reading the fake article.
“I have to admit this one got me,” wrote one. “My head was a little blown for a moment.”
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Another added: “Ashamed to admit that you got me with this one. Then I saw the date,” while a third commented: “I was in the middle of writing a scathing reaction to this until I realised what day it is.”
Others thought it was too cruel a prank to play, as one fan said: “April fool, I think SA Rugby took this a bit far to be honest. You don’t joke about things like this.”
Another wrote: “There are some things you simply do not make a joke about,” while a third added: “I had a heart attack, don’t play like that.”
In reality, Erasmus signed a four-year extension deal to stay on as South Africa head coach in December and will have a shot at leading his side to an unprecedented third – or maybe even fourth – successive Rugby World Cup title.
After helping the Springboks become world champions in 2019 and 2023, the 53-year-old will be aiming for a hat-trick in Australia next year, while his new deal runs until the 2031 Rugby World Cup in the United States.
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