From the horse's mouth: Rassie staying in Ireland

Cape Town - Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has confirmed - in his own words - that he will not be returning to South Africa to take up a role with SA Rugby.

In recent months there has been mounting speculation that SA Rugby had entered into discussions with Erasmus in order for him to return home to take up a director of rugby type role.

Some reports even went as far as to suggest the former Springbok loose forward could take over from current national coach Allister Coetzee following the June three-Test series against France.

Erasmus, 44, signed a three-year contract with Munster and the IRFU (Ireland Rugby Football Union) from July 1, 2016, but there is apparently a clause in his contract that would allow him to take up an offer from the Springboks should he provide the necessary notice.

But, according to the Irish Independent website, speaking after Munster’s 26-10 defeat to Saracens in the Champions Cup semi-finals on Saturday, Erasmus confirmed that he will be staying with the Irish province.

When asked whether he will be here (in Ireland) to oversee the development of Munster, Erasmus replied, "Yes, hopefully you mean with the winning and trying to get the winning culture going?”

No, for the next few years?

“Yes, yes, yes, yes.”

You’re definitely staying, Rassie?

“Yes.”

So that can end the speculation?

“I’ve never been speculating about this!”

Growing rumours out of Ireland suggest that Erasmus is being ear-marked to take over from current Ireland national coach Joe Schmidt, whose contract concludes at the end of 2017.

New Zealand-born Schmidt was previously coach of Ireland's other major province, Leinster, before taking over as Ireland boss.