How the Springboks coaching staff will look in 2024!
There will be some significant changes to the Springboks coaching staff next year as a new World Cup cycle begins.
Two members of the Springboks coaching team – head coach Jacques Nienaber and assistant coach Felix Jones – have taken up offers with Leinster and England respectively after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Although it has yet to be confirmed, it has been widely reported that Rassie Erasmus will now once again step into the head coach role – at least for the foreseeable future – in the absence of Nienaber.
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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.
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.
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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 earlier this 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 SA Rugby Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus, whose services are tied in until the end of the 2025 season at least.
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“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 for 2023 and the following seasons.
“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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