South Africa Rugby

Erasmus quits Stormers as Boks lurk

ESPNscrum Staff

Former South Africa international Rassie Erasmus is considering 'a number of new opportunities' after resigning from his role as director of coaching at the Stormers.

Erasmus, who won 36 caps for South Africa between 1997 and 2001, informed the Western Province Rugby Union on Monday of his decision to quit after just over four years in the role.

The former Springbok flanker has been linked with a role with a full-time South Africa as they look to appoint a new coaching set-up. And Erasmus, who acted as a technical analyst for the Springboks at the World Cup, admitted there are opportunities at a 'higher level' than Super Rugby.

"There are a number of new opportunities that have surfaced at a higher level and I am currently considering my options," he told Die Burger. "Each is an exciting and massive new challenge, and that is a big attraction to me at this stage of my career. In the interim I have offered to continue to assist at Province whenever required.

"I have enjoyed my time here in the Cape immensely and feel that I have contributed to facilitating building the structures that have taken us to the brink of success.

"I have no doubt that that success is but a tiny step away now and I leave Province satisfied with the strides made. I am grateful to Province for the opportunity and Newlands, the Stormers, WP and the fans will always have a special place in my heart."

Last season the Stormers finished top of the Super Rugby's South African conference before being knocked out of the competition in the semi-finals by the Crusaders. And Erasmus believes he leaves the Super Rugby franchise in a strong position and well placed for sustained future success.

"The pieces are in place at Province," said Erasmus. "Over the past few seasons we have put the structures in place and they are working well.

"The management team and player base is settled and there are now a fantastic bunch of youngsters pushing the older guys hard. The squad is very close to taking that final step and winning silverware." added the coach.

"My job is largely done here and there is no doubt in my mind that Allister (Coetzee), Matt (Proudfoot), Fleckie (Rob Fleck) and the rest of the management and players have got what it takes to get there."

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