The brain drain in rugby has been well documented, and former Springbok legend Rassie Erasmus has joined the boat. The Springboks general manager of high performance will leave after the incoming tour against Ireland in June. He’s giving up the national honours to take on a role at Irish outfit Munster. The reasons behind his departure are unconfirmed but some said Erasmus was upset because he didn’t get the Springbok head coach role ahead of Allister Coetzee. Another reason cited was a breakdown in communication with SARU CEO Jurie Roux. And while South Africa loses another educated rugby mind, the clean slate may work in Allister Coetzee’s favour. And let’s not forget, there are always casualties when the new boss gets into the house. – Stuart Lowman
From Sport24
Cape Town – Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald says the club is delighted to have secured the services of former Springbok Rassie Erasmus.
The Irish club on Monday confirmed the appointment of Erasmus as their director of rugby on a three-year deal, commencing on July 1.
Erasmus will leave his post as SA Rugby’s general manager of high performance after the Springboks’ June Test series against Ireland.
“We are delighted to announce Rassie Erasmus as Munster Rugby’s Director of Rugby. In recruiting Rassie we are securing the services of a world-class individual who was the stand out candidate for this newly created position,” Fitzgerald told Munster’s official website.
“In addition to his extensive playing and coaching experience, Rassie’s current role has afforded him the opportunity to develop his skill-set further, garnering invaluable knowledge and expertise while implementing an all-encompassing rugby programme which will be key to this role.
Outlining the role further, Fitzgerald confirmed: “The Director of Rugby role will lead Munster’s senior team, academy and coaches to deliver Munster’s Strategic Plan with ultimate responsibility for team performance and results. The role will have overall responsibility for defining on field strategy and ensuring its implementation.
“After completing a comprehensive world-wide search we would like to thank all parties involved in this appointment. The process included the input of all relevant stakeholders with each stage concluded promptly in the best interests of Munster Rugby.
“We look forward to welcoming Rassie at the start of the 2016/17 season in what will be an exciting time for the province as we operate from our new High Performance Centre in UL.”
David Nucifora, IRFU Performance Director, commented: “Irish Rugby is fortunate to have secured such an outstanding talent as Johan ‘Rassie’ Erasmus. Rassie’s long history in the game has seen him enjoy coaching success in the Currie Cup and Super Rugby and has seen him develop some of the best talent in South African rugby.
“His experience leading the Cheetahs to win the Currie Cup in 2005 and 2007 before taking the Stormers to a Super Rugby final in 2010 and winning the South African Conference in 2011, coupled with his management of South Africa¹s high performance department makes him the ideal candidate to take over as Director of Rugby at Munster.” – Sport24
Source: http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/rassie-a-world-class-individual-munster-boss-20160426
