Rassie Erasmus has published his first tweet since naming his new Springboks coaching team, clarifying to fans of the current world champions that athletes who do not make the alignment camp in Cape Town will still be considered for selection in 2024.
SA director of rugby Erasmus was officially announced on February 6 as the head coach through to the 2027 finals in Australia, with England’s Felix Jones serving as his deputy and 2023 Rugby World Cup head coach Jacques Nienaber currently at Leinster.
Before accepting the post of South African DoR, he served in this capacity when he first arrived back in South Africa in 2018 after leaving Munster. He led them to World Cup victory in Japan in 2019.
Having unveiled Tony Brown, Jerry Flannery and recently retired No8 Duane Vermeulen as new Springboks assistants, Erasmus named a 43-strong squad last Monday to attend a two-day camp in Cape Town from March 5.
That selection garnered plenty of commentary and Erasmus, whose first media briefing as the new head coach isn’t until the week of the alignment camp, has taken to social media to give Springboks fans an update in advance of that planned Cape Town gathering.
“Hello, South Africa,” he uttered. I hope 2024 goes smoothly! Just some information, guys and gals! Recall that an alignment camp does not imply that particular players will be the sole ones representing the Springboks in 2019! Every camp has a purpose, just like they did in the past! Enjoy a delicious weekend!
39 domestic players and four players based in Japan were among the 43 players nominated by Erasmus; these players are currently recovering from injuries in South Africa. Nineteen were on the World Cup-winning squad in 2023.
To bring everyone up to speed on the season’s plans, the group will meet for two days in boardroom meetings. The campaign will get off on June 22 in London with the Qatar Airways Cup match against Wales.
