Should the Springboks look at one new ‘foreign’ coach?

Two members of the Springboks World Cup coaching team – head coach Jacques Nienaber and assistant coach Felix Jones – have headed off to take up offers with Leinster and England respectively after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Rassie Erasmus will now once again step into the head coach role – at least for the foreseeable future – in the absence of Nienaber. However, with Nienaber having also taken care of the Springboks’ defensive department, there is a need to bring in a new coach in this regard, and notably there is talk that Bok legend Duane Vermeulen is set to take up this position.

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There could also be one new face as a replacement is sought for Jones, although there is a possibility this role could be absorbed by someone like Stick.

Having said that, there is good reason to believe that Stick should not be overburdened, and rather allowed to continue his outstanding work when it comes to skills and off-the-ball aspects of the game, particularly as he could be groomed to eventually become the next Bok head coach.

Jones, who hails from Ireland, offered great value to the Springboks as a ‘foreign’ coach who brought in some fresh ideas and energy, and his presence will be sorely missed.

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Considering that there aren’t any local coaching candidates seemingly available right now to join the Boks, a case could certainly be mounted for Erasmus to scout overseas for an attack coach to add to the Springboks’ IP in the management team.

Erasmus has previously coached at Munster and may want to once again explore Ireland for another coaching option, while it would be very interesting to see if someone from New Zealand could ‘defect’ to offer some attacking insights that could be a breath of fresh air.

*Let us know in the comments sections whether you feel this would be a good option, and who you feel might add value?

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POSSIBLE SPRINGBOKS COACHING TEAM FOR 2024:

• Rassie Erasmus – Head coach
• Mzwandile Stick – Assistant coach
• Deon Davids – Assistant coach
• *TBD – new coach to replace Jones – assistant coach 
• Daan Human – Scrum coach
• Duane Vermeulen – Defence coach
• Andy Edwards – Head of Athletic Performance

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CONTRACT EXTENSIONS

It was confirmed last year that Stick, Davids, Edwards and Human had signed contract extensions for another four years, which will see them remain with the team until the conclusion of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

They will continue in their roles under the guidance of Erasmus, whose services are tied in until the end of the 2025 season at least.

“We are delighted to announce that Mzwandile, Deon, Daan and Andy have signed contract extensions that will see them remain with the Springboks until the 2027 Rugby World Cup,” said Rian Oberholzer, SA Rugby CEO.

“They all come a long way as a coaching team under the guidance of Rassie, as Director of Rugby, and I am confident that the continuity in our coaching staff will bode well for the Springboks.

“It was our ambition to retain all the current coaching staff in recognition of the excellent work they have done over the past six years … and we are pleased that most of them have agreed to continue with the team.

“The planning to confirm a successor in the title role of Springbok coach remains ongoing in the background, while Rassie’s services are tied down to the end of 2025 at the very least.”

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