Rassie confirmed as WP coach

Former Cheetahs coach and current Bok analyst Rassie Erasmus was officially appointed as Senior Professional Coach of Western Province on Friday.

His role will encompass the dual roles of head coach of the Stormers Super 14 team and Western Province Director of Rugby.

“I don’t want to arrive in the Cape and immediately start telling everyone that my way is the right way, that my way is the only way, or that there is only one way to play,” Erasmus said after his appointment was confirmed.

“Obviously I do have a lot of ideas, but I have been looking at the situation as an outsider, and it is only once I have become part of it and become properly acquainted with the culture of Western Cape rugby that I will be able to talk with any authority.

“I would be lying if I said that I had not been talking to guys, but there is no rush for me to appoint the rest of my management team just yet. I want to get to know the people, I want to get to know the specific problems I will face.

“Right now the bigger issue is the contracting of players, the management can be held off for a couple of months.

“The transfer window has been opened for the past three weeks so it is something that we must get cracking on right away. We have to look at all our options and what is available to us.

“Coaching the Vodacom Stormers is a fantastic opportunity. There is an enormous amount of talent in the region and I am confident that I can, with the assistance of others, make a real difference to the franchise.

“It is my mission to help inculcate a winning culture at WP Rugby and to formulate and implement my vision for effective management and coaching at all levels in this great province and I am relishing the opportunity,” concluded Erasmus.

Chairman of WP Rugby, Pat Kuhn welcomed the new coach to Newlands.

“We are happy to welcome Rassie back to Newlands, this time in the capacity as senior professional coach. An accomplished player at the highest level and a successful coach, Rassie comes with a wealth of practical and technical rugby knowledge and the innovative flair, passion and skills set that we believe will ensure the future success of WP rugby at all levels.”