Erasmus to step down as Bok coach
Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final against England will be his last as Springbok coach.
Erasmus, who has been in charge of the Springboks since March 2018, is also the country’s Director of Rugby.
He is expected to continue in that role until 2023.
Erasmus told a press conference to announce his team for the final that Saturday’s game in Yokohama will probably be his last in charge of the team.
"To be honest, it’s been 25 test matches, and is probably my last test – it is my last test match that I will be the head coach. For me, it’s an emotional one in the sense that I didn’t think 25 test matches will go that quickly.
"When I went to Munster, I was sort of in the mode of doing the family thing and making sure that I see my children in the last four or five years before they get out of school, and thinking more strategically in terms of how we are going to get the schoolboys when I got back to South Africa, and help the sevens and help (former South Africa coach) Allister (Coetzee).”
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Erasmus said he has thoroughly enjoyed his time in charge of the green and gold and hopes to be involved no matter who the new coach will be.
"It’s wonderful to be here. It’s sad that it’s only three days, and then it is all over. But I will be heavily involved, hopefully, still after this – whatever way we are going to go with the head coach.
"I have enjoyed it thoroughly, and whatever happens on Saturday, we have to make sure we use this for the next four, five, six, seven years, that it doesn’t get lost again, the positivity, what we get out of Saturday."