Rassie Erasmus will remain head coach of the Springboks until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, but there is a fairly strong chance that he could step away after this.

Finding a suitable successor will be no easy task, but there will be no shortage of options, with current assistant coaches such as Mzwandile Stick, Deon Davids and perhaps even Felix Jones strong contenders.

However, when it comes to so-called outside candidates, former Springbok forwards coach Johann van Graan has quickly come into the picture after gaining experience with Munster in Ireland before enjoying a hugely successful stint with English side Bath.

Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with the UK’s The Telegraph, Van Graan insisted he was committed long-term to Bath, but did not rule out the possibility of being tempted back home.

“Last season I re-signed for an additional five years, until June 30, 2030,” Van Graan said. “We are on a journey as a family and that remains the most important for me. 

“[But] who knows where the road goes in terms of rugby? Obviously, I’m South African, I’m a Springbok and that’s not something that you ever ask for. It’s something that happens to you; because a lot of people believe you can do it. 

“Rassie Erasmus is currently doing an amazing job – South Africa will be going for their third World Cup in a row. Who knows? 

“Maybe it’s 10 more years at Bath. Maybe we will go back to South Africa one day. I’d like to coach all over the world but I have learnt in my life that a week is a long time so I’ll enjoy today, enjoy this season, the coming seasons, and whatever happens, happens.”

Current Springbok coach contingent:

  • Rassie Erasmus – Head coach
  • Mzwandile Stick – Assistant coach
  • Deon Davids – Assistant coach
  • Felix Jones – Assistant coach
  • Daan Human – Assistant coach
  • Tony Brown – Assistant coach
  • Jerry Flannery – Assistant coach
  • Andy Edwards – Head of Athletic Performance

DO YOU THINK HE WOULD BE A STRONG CONTENDER?

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/next-springbok-coach-top-contender-comments/