SA Rugby chief hints at who could succeed Rassie Erasmus as Springboks head coach
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer has signaled potential candidates to take the helm when Rassie Erasmus eventually steps aside. Erasmus recently extended his contract to cover the 2031 Rugby World Cup in the United States, but the federation is already outlining a clear succession plan.
By the time the U.S. host tournament arrives, Erasmus will have spent 13 years with the Springboks, serving in director of rugby and head coach capacities. In past cycles, SA Rugby awarded four-year deals, allowing coaches like Jake White, Peter de Villiers, and Heyneke Meyer to guide teams toward a World Cup before a leadership change.
Oberholzer, however, indicated a shift away from that pattern. He said the organization aims to reward coaches who deliver results, and the next head coaches may emerge from within the current structures, meaning Erasmus’ successor could already be part of the Springbok coaching setup.
That approach mirrors the 2020 transition when Jacques Nienaber moved into the top role from Erasmus, a scenario Oberholzer suggested could repeat after the 2031 World Cup.
Speaking on SABC about SA Rugby’s trajectory, the CEO stressed that succession planning will extend beyond the men’s team. “That’s all part of the next phase and the next period where we begin to map Rassie’s replacement,” he explained. “We must also consider the women’s team, the U20s, U18s, and sevens. We’re encouraged by the decision to keep Swys de Bruin as Women’s coach through to the next World Cup, which is a positive step.”
The federation is moving away from coaching cycles tied to a single World Cup. Instead, the aim is to maintain stability while preparing the next leader to assume control when the current coach steps down.
Oberholzer outlined a timeline: the women’s team through 2029 and the men’s team through 2031, creating a window to ensure robust succession planning so a new head can take over smoothly when the time comes.
All signs point to Erasmus’ successor possibly being one of his assistants. With Mzwandile Stick and Deon Davids already part of the coaching staff since 2018, they are among the frontrunners. The likelihood of a foreign head coach remains slim, given South Africa’s historical preference for internal candidates, making options like Jerry Flannery, Felix Jones, or Tony Brown less probable.
One notable figure often mentioned is Duane Vermeulen, who joined SA Rugby’s coaching ranks soon after retiring as a player. Although he lacks head-coaching experience, he is widely respected and could be groomed for a future leadership role.
Would you prefer a familiar face from within the Springboks’ current coaching group to lead the team, or should SA Rugby consider bringing in an outside-the-box choice to shake things up? Share your thoughts in the comments.
