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'Rassie returning to SA' reports grow stronger

Cape Town - There appears to be growing truth to the reports that Rassie Erasmus is eyeing a return to South African rugby.

Reports in South African and Irish media earlier this week indicated that plans were in place for SA Rugby to try and lure Erasmus back to the country.

It followed on 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.

Erasmus is currently the director of rugby at Munster in Ireland, but as recently as April insisted he was not returning to South Africa.

However, according to Netwerk24 on Thursday, SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux and Frikkie Erasmus, Rassie’s lawyer, were spotted together at last month's PRO12 final between Munster and Scarlets.

The discussions that took place were believed to be over the possible release of Erasmus from his contract with Munster.

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

Earlier this week, the Irish Independent reported that Erasmus “may not see out the remaining two years of his Munster contract”.

The Irish publication reported that it "understands that Erasmus has triggered the six-months' notice clause in his contract that will allow him return to South Africa to become their director of rugby".

The Sunday Times had also reported that plans were in place for Erasmus to be appointed as SA Rugby’s director of rugby.

The weekly newspaper reported that should Erasmus agree terms, Springbok coach Allister Coetzee would have to report to him.

Erasmus has impressed since joining Munster, leading them to the final of the PRO12 - a competition which features 12 professional sides from Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.

He was also named PRO12 coach of the year this year.
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