---
title: "Rassie Erasmus appointed South Africa Head Coach"
canonical: "https://readrugbyunion.com/2018/03/01/rassie-erasmus-appointed-south-africa-head-coach/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Sam Brown"
section: "News"
published: "2018-03-01T11:08:06Z"
modified: "2018-03-01T11:09:15Z"
---

# Rassie Erasmus appointed South Africa Head Coach

South Africa Rugby [have appointed former player Rassie Erasmus to coach their senior men’s team.](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/43240872)

This follows the resignation of Allister Coetzee, who left the role following an intense disagreement with SA Rugby.

A forward, Erasmus was capped 36 times as a Springbok, and has been the Director of Rugby for the national team since December 2017.

![David Rogers/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readrugbyunion.com/readrugbyunion/2018/03/673004330.jpg)

The 45-year-old had previously been the Director of Rugby at Munster, and won the Pro12 Coach of the Season award for his efforts in the 2016/17 season.

The 2017 season was essentially disastrous for South Africa, suffering defeats to Ireland and Wales, in addition to a 57-0 beating at the hands of the All Blacks.

Upon taking his new position, Erasmus said:

> I’m privileged. It’s a huge task to coach the Springboks,

> I really believe we have the players and the rugby to turn things around and to mount a serious challenge at the RWC (Rugby World Cup)