Gio Aplon says SA Rugby shouldn’t have extended Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ contract through to the 2031 World Cup.
SA Rugby confirmed in December that Erasmus, who has guided the Boks to back-to-back World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023, had signed a new deal through to the global showpiece in the USA.
The 53-year-old has also led the Boks to a British & Irish Lions series win in 2021 and successive Rugby Championship titles, cementing his status the world’s best rugby coach.
But Aplon believes the long-term extension carries risks.
“No other person in the world would say what I’m saying now, and yes, Rassie is the best coach at the moment, but I wouldn’t have signed him post-2027,” the former Bok utility back said on the Behind the Ruck podcast.
Is it ’27? I wouldn’t have signed him.
“Just for a renewal and it’s not personal, it’s not that he’s not good. I just think the ecosystem of sports needs something else with the type of players we’re playing now.
Because remember, the [Springboks’] old guard is walking in front now. The old guard is carrying this flag. But as soon as they’re out of the way with this coaching style and this group being together as a coaching staff and whatever, there’s a new breed coming through that might complain like they [the All Blacks players] complained with Razor [Robertson].
