Overview
- SA Rugby confirmed a new deal for Rassie Erasmus through the 2031 World Cup, with his core assistants also retained to ensure continuity.
- South Africa won back-to-back Rugby Championships in 2024 and 2025 and has dropped only four of 31 Tests since the 2023 pool loss to Ireland.
- Erasmus broadened selection by using about 50 players in each of the past two seasons, pairing tactical tweaks with rotation that delivered marquee wins and a cautionary defeat to Australia in Johannesburg.
- The 2026 plan emphasizes a four-Test All Blacks series as the immediate showcase, with the Nations Championship viewed as a proving ground for playoff-level intensity.
- Development pathways are being strengthened after the Junior Boks’ U20 title, though inconsistent franchise form at the Bulls, Sharks and Lions is flagged as a risk to sustained depth.