On this day in 2018, SA Rugby unveiled Rassie Erasmus as the new head coach of the then struggling Springboks. Six years later and he’s inspired the team to world dominance.
After years of mediocrity, Rassie Erasmus came in as Springboks head coach in 2018 and changed things around for the better in ways that defies belief.
The 2016 and 2017 rugby seasons, under Allister Coetzee, were arguably the worst period in Springbok history. So when SA Rugby turned to Rassie Erasmus in 2018, it was understandable that people would be sceptical about how quickly he could turn the Springboks’ fortunes around.
And even with hindsight, the answer to that question remains utterly remarkable. No could that dreamed that in the short space of six years, Erasmus would be able to inspire the Springboks to two Rugby World Cup wins, one British & Irish Lions Series win, one Rugby Championship title and a rise from seventh to first in the Test rankings, all while capturing the hearts of millions of South Africans.
And yet, he did just that. Under Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks surprisingly won the 2019 Rugby Championship and went on a fairytale run at the 2019 World Cup be crowned champions. He subsequently guided the side to success in the British & Irish Lions series in 2021, while continuing to work hand-in-hand with Jacques Nienaber as the team went on to retain the Webb Ellis Cup in historic fashion last year.
Rassie Erasmus has since retuned to the role as Springbok coach, and during the next four years he can take his legacy to another level. However, regardless of what happens going forward, he will not only go down history as one of the greatest Springbok coaches, he will be remembered as one of the greatest pioneers this game has ever seen.
RASSIE ERASMUS LEAVES A GENTLE KISS ON THE WEBB ELLIS TROPHY
