The Telegraph has reported that Rassie Erasmus, the World Cup-winning Director of Rugby for South Africa, is a potential candidate for the head coaching position at Leicester Tigers.
Erasmus has a noteworthy history in international rugby, having guided the Springboks to victory at the 2019 World Cup and overseeing their 2-1 series victory against the British and Irish Lions in 2021.
He joins a list of four other high-profile individuals who are being considered to replace Steve Borthwick at the Tigers.
Borthwick has helped to compile a shortlist of potential permanent replacements, and Chief Executive Andrea Pinchen stated, “Who better to ask than Steve Borthwick? I am not the rugby brain of this organization, but I’ve got this rugby brain like Steve, so why wouldn’t I try to make the most of that.
“I asked if he would be willing, not to choose his successor, but to be part of a process where I could put names in front of him to get his opinion on their coaching ability and references if he has worked with them before.
“It was really key for me to make sure that I got as much information as I can. He was extremely helpful and said yes immediately. He wants to leave Leicester in a good position.”
Pinchen added: ‘That final decision has not yet been made. We’ve spoken to a number of people. We’re still in motion with our plan. I’m not putting a time-frame on it because what I need to make sure we get it right.
Four other contenders for the job:
#1. Michael Cheika
The Telegraph reports that the narrowing shortlist features current Argentina boss Cheika prominently.