According to former rugby star Victor Matfield, Rassie Erasmus is poised to step down from his role as South Africa’s director of rugby following the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup in France.
Matfield expressed a high level of certainty, estimating it at around 95%, that Erasmus would assume a similar position in Ireland once the tournament concludes.
Recent reports have suggested that Erasmus is among the candidates being considered to replace David Nucifora as the Performance Director of the Ireland Rugby Football Union (IRFU).
Matfield shared his perspective on the matter during an episode of The Rugby Pod podcast, citing the departure of Jacques Nienaber as an indicator that Erasmus might follow suit and make a return to Ireland.
During the podcast, Matfield said: “It sounds like Rassie is going, he might stay for a few months just to get a few things in place.
“But knowing Rassie and knowing Jacques [Nienaber], those two do everything together, so I think the chance of him going to Ireland must be 90-95%.”
This revelation led to some rugby fans suggesting Andy Farrell could also be moving on after being linked with England job heavily last year.
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Listed among the favourites to replace under pressure Steve Borthwick, Farrell distanced himself from the England coaching job.
“When you make a decision, you commit and that’s it,” said Farrell.
“And, you know, I’m very lucky that it wasn’t just me that was committing, it was my wife and kids as well.
“Because whether you think it’s a close flight or connected or whatever to the UK, it’s still living abroad. It is a big move, you know, kids out of school.
“That type of commitment is something that I’ll never forget from my family… I’m forever grateful.”
He continued: “We love it here. We’re loving life here and the rugby’s pretty good as well.”
Rugby quiz:
Who could replace Steve Borthwick at Twickenham?
5. Sir Clive Woodward – 20/1
Woodward is the World Cup winning Head Coach who led England’s rugby players to World Cup glory in Australia in 2003.
A former England International and British & Irish Lion himself, prior to his full time coaching career Clive established a successful business career working for nine years with Xerox in the UK and Australia before establishing his own small finance and leasing company.
During Clive’s tenure as Head Coach England moved from 6th in the world to being the number one ranked team, winning every trophy an England team can win.