Why Rassie chose to remain Bok coach
10/31/2024 07:47 AM
Springbok chief Rassie Erasmus has admitted to 'considering' coaching another Test nation, but cites his connection to South African rugby as one of his reasons for staying.
Speaking to BBC Sport's Rugby Union Weekly podcast, the two-time World Cup-winning Bok coach claims the rewards of coaching his country extend far beyond trophy cabinets or opportunities to test himself elsewhere.
Erasmus is currently preparing the world champions in Jersey for a three-Test tour of the UK, which kicks off against Scotland at Murrayfield on 10 November.
“If you don’t know a culture of a team and their heartbeat, you don’t understand why they are playing and how their fans are,” Erasmus told BBC Sport. “I did consider it once and I loved my time at Munster as it was very Bloemfontein-like. But I wouldn’t know what makes another country tick.
“That pat on the shoulder for winning the World Cup, it’s nice and you enjoy that, but it is more the South Africans. If you see the South African people and the gratitude on people’s faces…” he explained.
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Since taking charge in 2018, the 51-year-old Erasmus has transformed the Boks from their lowest ebb to back-to-back world champions, establishing himself as a tactical innovator and master motivator. His philosophy centres on creating a safe environment where players can thrive.
“If you buy in and you take ownership, you’ll be safe here,” he said. “And you’ll never be embarrassed by the group or us or the coaches if you tried something and it didn’t work.”
The connection with SA fans continues to drive Erasmus. He recalled the dark days of 2017 when “jerseys were burned and people didn’t support,” with just 13,000 fans attending a Test against Argentina. Now, he embraces even the criticism from passionate fans.
“I love it when they give commentary. When they criticise, it is because they are interested. They have got a point and I really listen to them. The people will get upset with me. And that’s the thing I love about South Africans.”
As the Boks target an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup in 2027, Erasmus remains focused on unity: “It doesn’t matter what you are – if you are Christian, Muslim, Black, English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu. If you use the best of everybody, that’s what gives me a kick.”
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
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