Discussions have already started over the future of Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus, who has options abroad should SA Rugby not be proactive.

According to Rapport, he would prefer to remain with the national team but, as of yet, an offer has not been forthcoming from the governing body.

It is reported that Erasmus, who is currently contracted to the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, would like a deal which takes him beyond the 2031 global tournament.

The 52-year-old joined the Boks set-up in 2018 and combined the roles of head coach and director of rugby during their run to the 2019 World Cup title.

Return to head coach role

He focused on the latter over the next four years before becoming head coach following Jacques Nienaber’s departure to Leinster.

Erasmus agreed a new contract after South Africa became back-to-back world champions, with the aim of completing an unprecedented three-peat in Australia in 2027.

That could have been considered his natural end point but it appears as though the Boks legend would like to continue for at least another World Cup cycle.

Talks have already begun between Erasmus and SA Rugby, with CEO Rian Oberholzer telling Rapport that “it looks promising” but an official offer has not been put to the head coach or his backroom team.

Should that remain the case, the former back-rower has warned that he could leave South Africa with “two overseas options” on the table.

That will only happen if discussions between the respective parties break down, however, with staying on the Boks boss’ preference.

Despite fulfilling the director of rugby position between 2017 and 2023, Erasmus does not want a promotion as he looks to continue his fine work with the Springboks.

Erasmus’ Springboks legacy

South Africa had already won two World Cups prior to the 52-year-old’s arrival but, since then, they have lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in consecutive tournaments, taking them to four titles in all – the most of any country.

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Erasmus, alongside captain Siya Kolisi, has become an inspirational figure in South Africa and they look well set for a tilt at the three-peat.

In 2024, they sealed 11 victories in 13 matches and won the Rugby Championship title for the first time since 2019, and they have also started 2025 in impressive fashion.

Although Erasmus was disappointed in their second-half display in the 42-24 success last weekend, they responded with a dominant 45-0 triumph on Saturday despite having Jasper Wiese sent-off in the opening period.