Johann van Graan has responded assertively to recent suggestions by former Springbok great Schalk Burger that he could be in line to succeed Rassie Erasmus as head coach of the Springboks. Speaking during a media briefing this week, van Graan, currently head coach of Bath in the English Premiership, dismissed the speculation as “premature” and said his focus remains firmly on his club duties.

Burger recently named van Graan among potential candidates to take over from Erasmus, should the current director of rugby step aside after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. However, van Graan appeared unimpressed by the public endorsement, suggesting such talk is “disrespectful” to the current coaching regime and unhelpful to South African rugby’s long-term planning.

“I have great respect for Schalk and everything he’s achieved, but I don’t believe now is the time for such discussions,” van Graan said. “The Springboks have a strong leadership group, and my full commitment lies with Bath.”

While van Graan’s name continues to circulate among rugby insiders, his remarks underline a desire to avoid distractions as he steers Bath through a competitive Premiership season. The SA Rugby Union has not commented on potential successors.