He is said to be combining his new role as coach with his current role as director of rugby. Erasmus will be back in the position he held when the Springboks’ raised the Webb Ellis trophy in 2019. This year, with the Boks claiming a record fourth World Cup title, Rassie was majorly involved and received a lot of praise for his work with the side.

Jacque Nienaber led the team to a fantastic title defending back-to-back win this year and Rassie’s view stepping into Nienaber’s position is, according to Rapport, challenging for the 2027 World Cup title.

Nienaber now heads to the Irish province Leinster while assistant coach, Felix Jones, will be joining Steve Borthwick’s England setup.

Other assistant coaches under Nienaber, Mzwandile Stick and Deon Davids, are expected to remain in their roles along with the head of athletic performance, Andy Edwards, and the scrum coach, Daan Human now falling under coach Rassie as they tackle the new World Cup cycle preparing for 2027.

Supersport reports that Erasmus is revered in South Africa for his innovation, tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of the players at his disposal, but he has also courted controversy at times.

This is something that has been visible with the side and preparing for yet another title defence, South Africa can tap into his skill set.