Rassie Erasmus has been confirmed as Munster's new director of rugby.

Erasmus, who has been SA Rugby's high-performance manager for the past four years, will take up his new position following the Springboks’ home series against Ireland in June.

'I’d like to thank my colleagues at SA Rugby, and specifically the CEO, Jurie Roux, for affording me the opportunity to serve in my role for the past four years,' he said in a press statement. 'It was truly an honour to work in an environment where innovation and pushing the boundaries of acceptable norms was encouraged.

'I have learned a great deal from my experiences at SA Rugby and trust that the organisation under its current leadership will achieve great things on and off the field.

'The decision to accept Munster’s offer was ultimately a personal one, which I made with my family, at what we believe is the right time. Munster is without doubt the best club for me to experience something different as part of personal goals I have set.

'It was a tough decision to make as I believe I leave SA Rugby at an exciting point. Allister Coetzee was the rugby department’s recommendation to take over as Springbok coach and it’s a new era for Springbok rugby. The team will never be far from my heart.'

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