/ 10 January 2012

Stormers coach looks at new opportunities

Rassie Erasmus will consider a number of possible options after resigning as senior professional coach of the Stormers, he said on Tuesday.

“There are a number of new opportunities that have surfaced at a higher level,” Erasmus said.

“Each is an exciting and massive new challenge and that is a big attraction to me at this stage of my career.”

Erasmus has named in the media as a possible contender for the Springbok head coach post, vacated by Peter de Villiers after his contract came to an end in December.

The South African Rugby Union is expected to name De Villiers’ successor by the end of January, which is also when Erasmus will vacate his post, according to the Western Province Rugby Union (WPRU).

Erasmus’s lawyer told Die Burger newspaper that he was considering options to coach abroad.

“There are other choices, especially overseas,” Frikkie Erasmus said.

Significant progress
Erasmus, a former Springbok flank, said he believed the WPRU had made significant progress in the last few seasons.

“I have enjoyed my time here in the Cape immensely and feel that I have contributed to building the structures that have taken us to the brink of success,” he said.

“I have no doubt that success is but a tiny step away now and I leave [Western] Province satisfied with the strides made.”

The Stormers, under Erasmus, reached the Super Rugby final for the first time in 2010, where they lost 25-17 against the Bulls and made the semifinals in 2011.

Western Province reached the Currie Cup final for the first time in nine years in 2010.

“Rassie has made a huge contribution at WP,” said WPRU managing director Rob Wagner.

“We are obviously very sorry to see him go but understand his desire for new challenges.” — Sapa