AFTER MONTHS OF denial, it looks like Rassie Erasmus is set to leave Munster and return to South Africa.
The42 first reported in April this year that he could return to South Africa on a four-year deal.
However, while the 44-year old strongly denied the rumours at the time, the Irish Independent were first to report this morning that Erasmus has triggered the six-months’ notice clause in his contract, the same clause used by Pat Lam before he left Connacht for Bristol.
The news is quite different from the message Erasmus gave to reporters following Munster’s defeat to Saracens in the Champions Cup semi-finals:
“Rassie, will you be here to oversee the development of Munster?”
Yes,” answered Erasmus. “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!”
It is believed that Erasmus will serve as the Springbok’s new director of rugby.
Munster were unavailable for comment this morning.