Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has clearly stated what “so-called older” players must do in order to extend their international careers.
After winning back-to-back Rugby World Cups with largely the same squad, Erasmus has repeatedly stated that the next generation must be blooded into the team for their three-peat bid.
Players like Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Bongi Mbonambi and others will be well into their 30s by the time Australia 2027 rolls around.
Productive camp
Ahead of the first Springboks alignment camp of the year, Erasmus stated that he would not be pushing any players into retirement if they continue to perform at a high level.
“You can’t plan a guy’s career just around the World Cup because if he’s still good enough and he’s still number one, two or three in that position but he might retire in 2026 it will be very unfair not to pick him anymore just because he ends in 2026,” he explained.
Rassie Erasmus: ‘You can’t plan a guy’s career around the World Cup’
Following the conclusion of the camp, Erasmus revealed that he has made it clear to the ageing players what is required of them if they wish to prolong their international careers.
He also delved into the reasoning behind the alignment camps yet again.
“The purpose of the alignment camps is to get everyone on the same page about what the year looks like, to set our goals, and delve into what we are expecting from the players, while also reminding them of a few things we do on and off the field,” said Erasmus.
“This camp was productive in terms of the bigger picture for the team in many ways. Not only from a coaching staff perspective in general, and especially with Felix (Jones) rejoining us and slotting in really well, but we also touched on all of the other areas that make the team function optimally such as the operations, medical, media and the technical areas, which are all very important.
“When we play a Test match on a Saturday, it’s a product of all of those aspects, so the camp was not just about aligning as a group but making sure that when we kick off our season, everyone is aligned and ready to go.”
Crucial for the Springboks’ success
With several young players getting their first taste of Springbok rugby, Erasmus was pleased with the amount of knowledge that was shared by the more experienced players.
That is a crucial aspect for the Boks’ success according to the head coach and a requirement for the older players who are in the twilight of their respective careers.
“The message we drove through was that it will take a squad effort to perform this season because it won’t be a group of 23 or 25 players that will be doing it for us this year,” he said.
“The so-called older players understand that in order to prolong their careers they’ll have to transfer knowledge to the younger guys, and at the same time, the younger guys know the door is open to work their way into the matchday 23.
“We won’t always play the same matchday squad, so it’s beneficial for a younger guy and the coaches to get new ideas, and we plan to do the same with the players abroad, whose alignment camps are starting next week.
“It’s 12 weeks until we get together again, and from a camp perspective, I think the guys really interacted well.”
READ MORE: Springboks legends debate how ‘intense’ Felix Jones will work alongside ‘free-spirited’ Tony Brown
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/rassie-erasmus-sets-clear-requirements-for-older-springboks-to-prolong-their-careers
