Rassie Erasmus is set to start in his position as SA Rugby director of rugby on 1 November, two months earlier than expected.

Erasmus’ appointment was confirmed on 30 June, but there was speculation that he may have to serve out his contract at Munster, which ends on 31 December.

However, there was always the likelihood that Erasmus would be relieved of his contractual obligations as soon as Munster had found a suitable replacement. The Irish club has now appointed former Bok assistant coach Johann van Graan, speeding up Erasmus’ return.

According to Netwerk24.com, the contract between Munster and Erasmus will be terminated on 31 October, now that Van Graan has signed on as his replacement.

‘Rassie will start working at SA Rugby on 1 November,’ his lawyer, Frikkie Erasmus, told Netwerk24. 

Jacques Nienaber, who joined Munster with long-time ally Erasmus in 2016, will also return to South Africa in the role of ‘national assistant coach’.

Photo: BackpagePix/Barry Aldworth