Share

Coetzee: Losing Van Graan 'a big loss'

Cape Town - Springbok coach Allister Coetzee says the loss of forwards coach Johann van Graan will be a “big loss” to the national team.

Van Graan recently signed a deal as head coach of Irish club Munster, where he will replace Rassie Erasmus, who is heading back to South Africa to work as SA Rugby’s director of rugby.

SA Rugby on Monday confirmed that Van Graan will stay on for the first two Tests of the Springboks’ end-of-year tour - against Ireland and France - before joining Munster on November 19.

“Besides his technical and coaching ability, as a person he is a good human being. He’s been doing a fantastic job for the Springboks over the years. And surely it will be a big loss to the Springboks, but it’s a massive gain for Munster. He’s been working well within our coaching structures,” Coetzee said at a press conference in Dublin on Monday.

Van Graan, 37, has been involved with the national side since 2012 and the beginning of the Heyneke Meyer era.

Meanwhile, Erasmus has finished his tenure at Munster and is on his way home.

Coetzee however said that he would likely only meet with Erasmus in 2018.

“At this point in time our management team and coaching staff are focused on the Tests. The other stuff would be looked at next year.”

In his new job, Erasmus will oversee South African rugby’s eight national teams and the participation and management of 20 competitions, as well as the development of players, coaches and referees.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1118 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1283 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 1979 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE