Another record beckons for Rassie Erasmus

July 9, 2026 18

Springbok coach, Rassie Erasmus, will make history on Saturday when he sends out a Springbok team for a record-breaking 55th time as head coach, the most by any South African coach since the team’s first Test match in 1891.

Erasmus reaches the milestone across two stints in charge, to surpass the previous record of 54 tests held by 2007 Rugby World Cup winning coach, Jake White, who led the Springboks between 2004 to 2007.

SA Rugby President Mark Alexander praised Erasmus’ impact on the national team and the country.

“Rassie understood his mandate from day one and implemented a strategy that truly transformed the way we play, the way we use our diversity as our strength and the way we drive social cohesion by using rugby as a vehicle. He galvanised all South Africans behind our team.”

A former Springbok himself, Erasmus, also held the title of Director of Rugby between his head coach roles and was always intimately involved in the team’s preparation working closely with then head coach, Jacques Nienaber.

Saturday’s encounter will mark the 94th Springbok Test played under Erasmus’ leadership since his return to the SA Rugby Union in 2018.

“There aren’t any superlatives left to describe the impact Rassie has had not only on Springbok rugby but on the sport and the country over the past eight years,” added Mr Alexander.

“He has not only transformed the team’s results, he has transformed the country’s attitude to rugby. He has turned Springbok matches into an environment where South Africans from every demographic, whether it be sex, age, race, or language can come together to celebrate their South African-ness together.”

Rassie Erasmus will enter uncharted territory on Saturday when he sends out a #Springboks team for a record-breaking 55th time as head coach. “He understood his mandate from day one” – more here: https://t.co/1LbmDgtXqF 🇿🇦#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/FKYo3r21qJ

— Springboks (@Springboks) July 9, 2026