Rassie Eramus: Rugby World Cup winner returns as South Africa head coach to replace Jacques Nienaber

South Africa have replaced one Rugby World Cup-winning head coach with another, after confirming Rassie Eramus’ return.

He has succeeded Jacques Nienaber, who is now at Leinster after guiding the Springboks to a successful title defence in France last autumn.

Erasmus led the team to victory at the 2019 World Cup and remained closely attached to the setup, having moved into a director of rugby role.

The 51-year-old, who was recently taken to hospital with serious chemical burns from what was described as a “freak accident”, has signed a contract through until the next tournament in 2027.

Erasmus has appointed Harlequins defence coach Jerry Flannery to his backroom team. The former Ireland flanker will leave the Gallagher Premiership side later this month.

Ex-New Zealand fly-half Tony Brown will run the attack, while recently retired referee Jaco Peyper will offer insight on the laws of the game.

Duane Vermeulen, who called it a day after helping the Springboks retain the world title, will take on a ‘roving’ coaching role across all of the national teams.

“It is a massive honour to coach the Springboks, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me,” said Erasmus.

"The main difference between the last four years and this season is that I will be more hands-on at the field sessions.

“In my role as Director of Rugby in the last four years I continued to oversee the team structures and strategy in conjunction with Jacques and the other coaches, so it should be an easy transition back into the head coach role.

“We already had our first coaching session this week at the hospital, and it’s great to see the enthusiasm among the coaches to get the season underway.”

Erasmus, who is known for his mind games and outspoken approach, was given a year-long matchday ban for posting a video which criticised in detail the performance of a referee during the British & Irish Lions tour in 2021.

His first matches in charge will be a two-game series with Ireland in July.

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