Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber stay in charge until after RWC 2023

It’s fair to say Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber hasn’t had the most challenging first year at the helm.

Appointed as the new national coach following the 2019 Rugby World Cup, the Springboks are yet to play a Test since beating England in the final in Yokohama on November 2.

And at this stage there’s little in the way of confirmation as to when they will next be in action.

Nienaber’s only task over the last nearly 13 months has been helping select the ‘Gold’ team for the Springbok Showdown at Newlands back in early October.

Nienaber’s team lost.

Similarly, former Springbok coach Rassie Erasmas, now in his new role as Director of Rugby at SA Rugby, has also been kicking his heels somewhat in recent months.

At least Erasmus’ ‘Green’ side were victorious at the Springbok Showdown.

According to Sunday’s Rapport newspaper, both Nienaber and Erasmus have had their contracts extended until after the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

JURIE ROUX TOOK ON THE ROLE IN 2010

Meanwhile, Jurie Roux’s contract as SA Rugby CEO has been extended once again.

Roux first took on the role back in 2010.

His contract had expired in September of this year, but he subsequently signed on until after the 2023 World Cup as well.

Roux will be pivotal to the direction the Springboks take in the years ahead.

Rumblings suggest the Springboks will enter the Six Nations as early as 2024, despite SANZAAR’s recent confirmation they were committed to the Rugby Championship until 2030.

Time will tell …