Rugby fans are buzzing with excitement as Rassie Erasmus returns as head coach of South Africa’s Springboks, accompanied by former Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery and former All Blacks flyhalf Tony Brown as coaching assistants. Bloemfontein has been chosen as the venue for the historic first test against Portugal on July 20th, while a two-Test series against Ireland will take place in Pretoria and Durban on July 6th and 13th. The Springboks’ home Tests will conclude with a match against Argentina in Mbombela on September 28th. This upcoming season is eagerly anticipated, especially in light of the Springboks’ successful Rugby World Cup defense in 2023.
Rassie Erasmus returns as head coach of South Africa’s Springboks in collaboration with SA Rugby, enlisting former Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery and former All Blacks flyhalf Tony Brown as coaching assistants. Bloemfontein will host the Springboks’ milestone first Test against Portugal on July 20th, marking the conclusion of the Castle Lager Incoming Series. The home Test lineup will kick off with a two-Test series against Ireland in Pretoria and Durban on July 6th and 13th, respectively. The upcoming season is brimming with anticipation, especially in light of the Springboks’ triumphant defense of the Rugby World Cup title in 2023.
The rugby world is abuzz with the news of Rassie Erasmus’ imminent return as the head coach of South Africa’s Springboks. The news of Erasmus’ homecoming has been met with eager anticipation, especially given the rumors that he has enlisted former Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery to oversee the team’s defensive strategies. Flannery, who presently serves as a defense coach for England’s Harlequins, is a known associate of Erasmus and initiated his coaching career under Erasmus’ guidance at Munster in Ireland, diligently serving as a forwards and scrum coach.
At the same time, Erasmus, in collaboration with SA Rugby, seems poised to welcome former All Blacks flyhalf Tony Brown into the team as an assistant coach. Brown, celebrated for his extensive and illustrious coaching career with the Highlanders and Japan, will be responsible for honing the Springboks’ offensive game plan. Former Bok captain, Jean de Villiers, commended Brown’s potential input, highlighting his unique creativity and the invaluable insights drawn from his comprehensive playing and coaching career.
Erasmus’ selection of coaching assistants indicates his preference for familiar associates. He places a high value on trust and shared history, elements Flannery and Brown abundantly possess. De Villiers is confident that their diverse viewpoints and fresh perspectives will prove beneficial to the Springboks, with Flannery’s experience from the golden era of Munster rugby and Brown’s unconventional approach to the game.
Bloemfontein Chosen as Venue for Historic First Test
In addition to these exhilarating announcements, it has been confirmed that Bloemfontein will host the Springboks’ milestone first Test against Portugal on July 20th. This pivotal event will mark the conclusion of the Castle Lager Incoming Series, adding yet another exciting chapter to the Springboks’ 2024 home Test schedule.
The home Test lineup will kick off with a two-Test series against Ireland in Pretoria and Durban on July 6th and 13th, respectively. A week after the Portugal Test, the Springboks will square off against New Zealand in the Rugby Championship for two Tests in Johannesburg and Cape Town on August 31st and September 7th. The home Tests are scheduled to reach their climax with a match against Argentina in Mbombela on September 28th.
Erasmus expressed his delight at the confirmation of Bloemfontein as the venue, stating, “We are thrilled to return to Bloemfontein for this historic match and are committed to making our ardent supporters proud.” He further added that they can now proceed “full steam ahead” with the logistical arrangements for the home Tests.
Exciting Season Ahead for Springboks
The upcoming season is brimming with anticipation, especially in light of the Springboks’ triumphant defense of the Rugby World Cup title in 2023. Meanwhile, the ticketing details for all six tests are in the final stages of confirmation and will be announced in due course. Fans are advised to procure tickets exclusively from official outlets to sidestep potential scams.
In summary, 2024 is set to be a momentous year for the Springboks, with Erasmus taking the reins once more and his selected coaching colleagues ready to impart their distinctive insights to the team. The schedule is packed with gripping matches set to enthrall rugby fans across the globe.
1. Who is Rassie Erasmus and what is his role in the Springboks?
Rassie Erasmus is the head coach of South Africa’s Springboks. He will lead the team in collaboration with SA Rugby, accompanied by coaching assistants Jerry Flannery and Tony Brown.
2. Who are Jerry Flannery and Tony Brown and what will be their responsibilities?
Jerry Flannery is a former Ireland hooker who will oversee the Springboks’ defensive strategies. Tony Brown is a former All Blacks flyhalf who will be responsible for honing the team’s offensive game plan.
3. When and where will the Springboks play their first test match?
The Springboks will play their first test match against Portugal on July 20th in Bloemfontein, which will mark the conclusion of the Castle Lager Incoming Series.
4. What other matches are included in the Springboks’ home Test schedule?
The Springboks will play a two-Test series against Ireland in Pretoria and Durban on July 6th and 13th, respectively. They will also face New Zealand in the Rugby Championship for two Tests in Johannesburg and Cape Town on August 31st and September 7th. The home Tests will conclude with a match against Argentina in Mbombela on September 28th.
5. What can fans expect from the upcoming season?
Rugby fans can expect an exhilarating season as the Springboks defend their Rugby World Cup title and compete in a packed schedule of gripping matches. The team will benefit from the unique insights of Erasmus, Flannery, and Brown as they lead the team to victory.
6. Where should fans purchase tickets for the matches?
Fans should procure tickets exclusively from official outlets to avoid potential scams. The ticketing details for all six tests are in the final stages of confirmation and will be announced in due course.
