Rassie denies offering to coach Bulls

Springbok Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has denied reports that he is linked to a Super Rugby coaching position next year at the Bulls.

The rugby public was skeptical on Saturday when reports surfaced that Erasmus had approached the Bulls, in the wake of John Mitchell’s imminent departure, to offer his coaching services for next year’s Super Rugby campaign.

However in speaking at the team’s departure to Australia from OR Tambo, Erasmus denied the claims, explaining the whole idea to be a “rumour”.

Erasmus elaborated that in the World Cup year it would make sense for him to spend closer time with the Bulls should they be working with a new coach. Handle Pollard, tasked with being the first choice ten is currently struggling, while the Bulls are laden with other Springbok talent in Ivan van Zyl, Embrose Papier, Marco van Staden, Jesse Kriel, Warrick Gelant, Lood De Jager and potentially Duane Vermuelen and Schalk Brits come next year.

“No, no. I’m not planning on coaching the Bulls at all,” Erasmus explained.

“It’s a difficult situation when someone starts a rumour like that and you need to explain. What I offered them is something that people don’t always understand at face value.

“It looks weird because these things aren’t official. Jacques Nienaber went with both the Lions and Stormers on their Super Rugby tours and I spent some time with the Sharks.

“Overall, we try to help out where we can. If the Bulls want some help with their transition, it’s part of my portfolio as director of rugby to assist. But I don’t want to coach them full-time.”