South Africa Rugby Union has confirmed that head coach Rassie Erasmus will remain in charge of the Springboks until the conclusion of the 2031 Rugby World Cup. The 53-year-old, who has guided South Africa to two consecutive World Cup victories, had previously been contracted only through the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

“This was a quick and easy conversation to reach agreement,” Erasmus said. “I have always said that I would find it hard to coach any other international team, and I’m very happy to continue as long as the South African public wants me.”

Upcoming Fixtures and Nations Championship

South Africa have also announced details of their upcoming summer Tests, which will include:

• Vs England at Ellis Park, Johannesburg (4 July) – nearly 1,800m above sea level
• Vs Scotland at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria (11 July) – 1,350m altitude
• Vs Wales in Durban (18 July) – coastal venue

These fixtures form part of the first round of the newly launched Nations Championship, offering high-profile clashes at both altitude and sea-level venues to test the Springboks ahead of future World Cups.

Erasmus’ Rise with South Africa

Erasmus returned to his native South Africa in March 2018 as Director of Rugby, taking over from Allister Coetzee. At that time, South Africa had slipped to sixth in the world rankings, winning just 11 of their previous 25 Tests.

Under Erasmus’ leadership:

• 2019: Springboks won the Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup
• 2023: Retained the Rugby World Cup in France
• Current record: 23 wins from 27 Tests, solidifying their position at the top of the world rugby rankings

Erasmus was briefly linked with a move to coach England, attending their win over Scotland at Murrayfield and reportedly holding talks with the Rugby Football Union. He dismissed the speculation, posting a video of his team talk before the 2019 World Cup final against England, captioned: “Not sure I would know what to say to any other team before a W Cup final. Not happening!!!”

Springbok Backroom Team

South Africa Rugby confirmed that announcements on other Springbok coaching staff contracts will follow. Erasmus’ current backroom team includes:

• Felix Jones (Irish), returning after a brief stint with England
• Jerry Flannery (Irish)
• Mzwandile Stick (backs coach)

Together, the coaching staff has overseen a dramatic turnaround for South African rugby, bringing discipline, tactical innovation, and world-class results to the national side.