Eddie Jones says that Rassie Erasmus\u2019 contract extension through to 2031 was a no-brainer decision as the head coach continues to benefit from his previous work.<\/b><\/p>\n
Last week, SA Rugby confirmed that the former flanker had signed a contract extension to remain in charge of the back-to-back World Cup winners through to the tournament in the USA.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s an unprecedented move that extends his involvement with the Boks<\/a> to 13 years, with Erasmus<\/a> initially joining the team as Director of Rugby back in 2018.<\/p>\n Since his return, he has overseen three Rugby Championship victories, a British and Irish Lions series win, and two World Cup successes in his role as DoR and head coach.<\/p>\n Eddie Jones in Rassie\u2019s contract extension<\/p>\n Erasmus took charge of his 53rd Test match as head coach in the final game of 2025, against Wales, a tally that only Jake White (54) has bettered.<\/p>\n Reacting to the news of his extension on the Rugby Unity podcast, Jones<\/a> said that it seems like a good decision by the SA Rugby board.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s obviously done a very good job. It seems like a sound appointment,\u201d the Japan boss remarked.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s been very good at changing his assistant coaches, and why would you want to leave that job, with the depth of players he\u2019s got? It\u2019s a pretty attractive job.\u201d<\/p>\n SA Rugby end speculation over Rassie Erasmus\u2019 future with update on Springboks assistants imminent<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Former Wallabies head coach Ewan McKenzie agreed with Jones, adding that while the job titles have changed for Erasmus, he has been the man \u2018pulling the levers\u2019 and driving the team to success since 2018.<\/p>\n There is a risk that having a coach in place for too long can lead to complacency and ultimately a decline in performance. However, McKenzie doesn\u2019t think that the decision to extend Erasmus\u2019 contract for so long will blow up in SA Rugby\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s hard to get a long appointment as a coach. So, that\u2019s a pretty commendable effort,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cHe had his hands on the levers there for some time. Forget about what the job title\u2019s been. He\u2019s had his hands on the levers for some time. So, he\u2019s proved his worth, and he\u2019s proved he\u2019s capable of managing all the forces and the politics that go with being at that level of any rugby organisation.<\/p>\n Readers\u2019 Team of the Year: Don\u2019t agree with World Rugby\u2019s Dream XV backline? Cast your vote!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cAnd he\u2019s produced a very good succession plan for not only staff but also for the playing group, and he\u2019s been successful, so you can\u2019t begrudge him.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019ll blow up in their face. Often, when you make a long appointment, it blows up in the administration\u2019s face. I don\u2019t think that\u2019ll happen because he\u2019s been there and controlling the levers for some time now anyway, in whatever role he\u2019s been, whatever job title he\u2019s had, he\u2019s been running the show for some time.\u201d<\/p>\n He has been lucky<\/p>\n Jones said that Erasmus has done well to freshen up his coaching staff, employing the likes of Jerry Flannery and Tony Brown after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and welcoming Felix Jones back after a stint with England.<\/p>\n