England told to appoint ‘controversial genius’ Erasmus after Rugby World Cup

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Sir Clive Woodward has urged England to make a sensational move for South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus to bolster Steve Borthwick’s coaching team. The Springboks have reaped the rewards of Erasmus’ presence over the last few years, with the controversial 50-year-old having transformed them into rugby’s best international side.

He lifted the Rugby World Cup four years ago as South Africa’s head coach before securing a famous series win over the British and Irish Lions in 2021. Erasmus is now the Springboks’ director of rugby and worked in tandem with Jacques Nienaber to successfully lead them to yesterday’s Rugby World Cup final.

Woodward has since urged England to bring Erasmus into their coaching setup as they look to rebuild over the coming years, although such a move would undoubtedly be controversial given his polarising nature. His social media conduct has raised plenty of eyebrows throughout his time with the Springboks, while he often resorts to petty mind games ahead of high-profile matches.

“He [Erasmus] really is a breath of fresh air,” wrote Woodward in his column for the Daily Mail. “It’s not beyond the realms of possibility, him joining England. It would certainly get the fans talking in the pubs and that’s what the game needs.

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“We’ve seen rugby in England struggle so badly both on and off the pitch, especially in the last 12 months. As England’s director of rugby, Erasmus would have the opportunity to wipe the slate clean. It would not work if he wanted to still be in the coaching box. Borthwick must still be that man.

“It’s not a big call as long as it is the role Erasmus wants to play. For me he really might fit the bill. I would love to see him there.”

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Erasmus has also paid the price for his treatment of match officials in the past, with World Rugby suspending him after publicly criticising Wayne Barnes following South Africa’s defeat to France last year. However, Woodward remains adamant that he would be a positive addition to the England camp due to his brilliance when it comes to performing well on the biggest stages.

“He would be the most controversial after some of the stupid stunts he has pulled over the years, but he would also be my No 1 choice,” added Woodward. “He’s caused incidents which I’m sure he will look back on with regret, but this World Cup has made me see Erasmus in an entirely different light.

“Erasmus can’t change the past, and I’m not condoning what he’s done, in particular his shameful treatment of Wayne Barnes. But he has shown with South Africa that he is absolutely superb at what he does. Erasmus has taken his team from a low ebb to the brink of being double world champions.

“He’s done it by being his own man and using unorthodox thinking. Orthodox thinking is a curse in professional sport. More than anyone, the RFU really could do with some unorthodox thinking. South Africa are now a better side than they were in 2019 which is no mean feat. The tournament in France has been littered with examples of Erasmus’ genius.”

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