Rassie: It’s not happening

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A newly-created Rassie Erasmus Twitter account shows the South African director of rugby seemingly silencing rumours that he could be exploring a move to England.

In a major story in Sunday newspaper Rapport, the Bok World Cup-winning coach was said to have held talks with the RFU, who apparently were considering hiring Erasmus to take over from Eddie Jones when the latter’s contract expires at the end of 2021.

It would be a very strange move, though, when one considers how successful Erasmus has been since taking over at the helm of the Boks, with the extremely popular figure confirming after the World Cup that he was determined to oversee a sustained period of success for South African rugby.

Erasmus coached the Springboks to the 2019 World Cup and Rugby Championship double, claiming the Webb Ellis trophy with a 32-12 win against Jones’ England in the World Cup final.

He has since stepped back to focus on his responsibilities as SA Rugby director of rugby, with former assistant coach Jacques Nienaber stepping up as the new Springbok head coach.

In a video posted to Erasmus’ Twitter account @RassieRugby, he stated: ‘Not sure I would know what to say to any other team before a World Cup Final. Not Happening!!!’

Furthermore, veteran journalist and SA Rugby magazine contributor Mark Keohane also confirmed on Twitter that Erasmus had emphatically refuted the report.

SA Rugby magazine has received confirmation that Erasmus’ Twitter account is an official one, with his first post showing an inspiring pre-match speech before the World Cup final.

Photo: Getty Images

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Craig Lewis