Rassie Erasmus will be responsible for strategy and results while new head coach Jacques Nienaber will take charge of the day-to-day team operations of the Springboks.
READ: Business as usual – Nienaber
On Friday, Nienaber was unveiled as Erasmus’ successor in the Bok top job with both having clearly defined roles within the new coaching group.
Speaking in his capacity as SA Rugby’s director of rugby, Erasmus said: ‘Jacques is highly experienced and has worked with the Springboks on three separate occasions now so knows exactly what the job is about.’
‘Jacques will be responsible for the Test match preparation and day-to-day team operations but, as the director of rugby, I will be with the team for the majority of the time and in the coaches’ box with Jacques at matches.
‘I’ll still be responsible for the strategy and results with Jacques taking operational control. The structure allows the director of rugby to spend more time on other aspects of the role.’
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Erasmus also thanked former forwards coach Matt Proudfoot for his work with the team over the past four years as the only departing member of the World Cup-winning coaching team. Proudfoot has since joined Eddie Jones as part of England’s coaching staff.
‘Matt did a brilliant job with our pack and I’d like to thank him from me, the team and SA Rugby,’ said Erasmus.
Mzwandile Stick was retained as assistant coach, while Felix Jones – who served as a defence consultant during the World Cup – will take up the position of overseas-based assistant coach.
Deon Davids and Daan Human are the two new appointments coming in to assist with the forwards.
Springbok coaching team:
Rassie Erasmus – Director of Rugby
Jacques Nienaber – Head coach
Mzwandile Stick – Assistant coach
Deon Davids – Assistant coach
Felix Jones – Assistant coach
Daan Human – Scrum consultant
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
