SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus is determined to involve Springbok players based in England and France in his 2019 World Cup plans.

According to Rapport, Erasmus has entered into discussions with a number of overseas-based players who he reckons could play a part in the Boks’ World Cup campaign.

Erasmus has reportedly identified prop Vincent Koch as a key player for the Boks and made contact with the player on Friday. Koch is contracted to English and European champions Saracens until June 2019, but Erasmus is hoping to negotiate an early release in order for the 27-year-old to return to South Africa. The Bulls and Western Province are reportedly interested in signing him.

Rapport also revealed that Erasmus is planning on visiting Willie le Roux, Juan de Jongh (both Wasps), Faf de Klerk (Sale), Frans Steyn, Bismarck du Plessis, Jan Serfontein (all Montpellier), Duane Vermeulen, JP Pietersen (both Toulon) and Pat Lambie (Racing 92) to talk about their future in Bok rugby and to outline his requirements in terms of fitness and form.

Erasmus attended the Six Nations Test between England and Wales on Saturday as part of his planning for South Africa’s three-Test series against the English in June.

Afterwards, Erasmus is heading to Japan, where he will scout the rugby stadiums, available training facilities as well as decent hotel accommodation for the Boks to use during the World Cup.

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