Rassie Erasmus is set to serve as the Springboks’ head coach through to the 2027 World Cup, but there is every chance his time with the national team may come to an end after the next global showpiece.

The 52-year-old has already made it clear that he would not be interested in coaching any other national team, which would at least soften the blow somewhat when he does decide to call it a day with the Springboks.

Whatever the case may be, it is interesting to consider who could be the next head coach if a change is required at the end of 2027, and below we look at six current candidates who could be strong options as a successor.

COACHES WHO COULD TAKE OVER FROM SPRINGBOK BOSS RASSIE ERASMUS ONE DAY (*In no particular order)

Johann van Graan

The former Springbok assistant coach has taken English side Bath to new heights, transforming a club that hit rock bottom two seasons ago to the top of the English Premiership log. He could be a very strong candidate to return to the Springbok set up in the years to come.

Franco Smith

Champion coach of the Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship last season, he is another experienced candidate who could make a very strong play for the Springbok job if he continues to enjoy such success overseas.

Jacques Nienaber

The former World Cup-winning coach with the Springboks in 2023 continues to work wonders with Leinster. He has not ruled out the possibility of returning to coach the Boks one day, and he would be a natural fit for a second stint.

Felix Jones

Another hugely successful and popular member of the Springboks’ coaching staff before and during the 2023 World Cup. If the 37-year-old can get more experience under his belt in the next couple of years, he could be a left-field option for head coach consideration.

John Dobson

If there is one domestic coach who could be a contender it is probably the affable Stormers coach, with Bulls boss Jake White very unlikely to be in mix for the national job after his 2003 to 2007 stint. However, while Dobson was once considered a strong candidate to have a future with the Springboks, he did recently indicate that he wouldn’t pursue any other opportunity after his time with the Cape franchise comes to an end.

Mzwandile Stick

Probably the favourite to take over from Rassie Erasmus, who he has worked alongside for the better part of the last five years at the Springboks. Stick is an extremely popular figure with the players, and is likely to be a natural successor in a few years’ time.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THESE CANDIDATES AND WHETHER THERE SHOULD BE ANY OTHERS?

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/six-contenders-to-eventually-replace-rassie-erasmus/