Gio Aplon has lobbed a grenade into South African rugby’s carefully constructed plans, questioning whether SA Rugby have shot themselves in the foot by tying Rassie Erasmus down until 2031.
The former Stormers and Springbok fullback didn’t mince his words on the Behind the Ruck podcast, delivering a stinging assessment of the six-year contract extension that SA Rugby announced with such fanfare back in December.
“Yes, Rassie is the best coach at the moment, but I wouldn’t have signed him post-2027. Is it 2027 [yet]? I wouldn’t have signed him,” Aplon declared.
Before the pitchforks come out, the 17-cap Springbok was quick to clarify this isn’t a personal attack on the mastermind behind South Africa’s back-to-back World Cup triumphs. It’s about something far more fundamental, the future health of Springbok rugby and the coaching ecosystem that feeds it.
The old guard won’t last forever
Aplon’s concerns centre on a brutal reality that SA Rugby might be overlooking in their Erasmus euphoria: the current generation of Springboks won’t be around forever.
“I just think the ecosystem of sports needs something else with the type of players we’re playing now,” the five-try Springbok explained. “Because remember, the old guard [of the Springboks] is walking in front now. The old guard is carrying this flag.”
And there’s the rub. The likes of Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Handré Pollard have bought into Erasmus’s methods completely. They’ve thrived under his unique blend of tactical brilliance, mind games, and unorthodox communication. But what happens when they hang up their boots?
“As soon as they’re out of the way with this coaching style and this group being together as a coaching staff and whatever, there’s a new breed coming through that might complain like they complained [New Zealand players] with Razor [Robertson],” Aplon warned.
The reference to Scott Robertson’s rocky start with the All Blacks, where player discontent has bubbled to the surface, serves as a cautionary tale. Different generations require different management approaches, and what works for battle-hardened veterans might not resonate with Gen Z professionals.
“I’m not saying that’s going to happen, but I’m very cautious with 2031. We haven’t even played this World Cup (yet), and we’ve given the job away.”
Perhaps Aplon’s most damning criticism concerns the collateral damage to South African rugby’s coaching depth. With Erasmus locked in until 2031, what motivation do ambitious local coaches have to develop their craft?
“For a local coach, where do you go?” Aplon asked pointedly. “Like, for Dobbo [John Dobson, Stormers], for Ackies [Johan Ackermann, Bulls], or whoever’s here. What is your next step?”
It’s a valid question that cuts to the heart of succession planning – or the apparent lack thereof. The Springbok job represents the pinnacle of South African rugby coaching. Without that carrot dangling, why would top coaches stay in the system rather than seeking opportunities abroad?
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