It’s the start of a new month — 1 April — and a cheeky April Fool’s Day article managed to catch a number of unsuspecting Springbok supporters off guard.
Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
The story claimed that Rassie Erasmus had signed a multi-year deal to replace Steve Borthwick as England head coach.
Some fans reacting in the comments clearly fell for the prank by SARugbymag.co.za, despite the article being an obvious tongue-in-cheek April Fool’s joke.
The piece even hinted at the joke, suggesting Erasmus would officially resign from SA Rugby on 1 April, while adding a humorous twist: “Personal reasons are also believed to have played a role, with Rassie’s beloved bulldog, Frank, keen to return to his roots in Britain.”
ERASMUS RESPONDS TO PANICKED FANS
With some supporters genuinely worried, it seems Erasmus may have received a few frantic messages.
He quickly took to social media with a short and simple reminder: “1 April.”
That was enough to calm nerves.
One fan replied: “I almost fainted. Thank you.”
Another added: “Is this an April Fools’ joke? Because I am about to flatline!”
RUCK JOINS THE APRIL FOOL’S FUN
It wasn’t the only rugby-related prank doing the rounds either.
RUCK also got in on the action with a fictional story claiming that Henry Pollock was set to switch national allegiance in order to pursue a career in boxing.
Like the Erasmus story, it briefly caught a few readers off guard before the date gave the joke away.
NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT
In reality, there is no truth to the claims.
Erasmus remains firmly in charge of the Springboks and has already extended his contract through to 2031.
Shaun Edwards to replace Steve Borthwick as England head coach
Coaching decisions could redefine national fortunes, with elite tacticians and former legends under consideration.
One of the biggest questions looms in South Africa, where a two-time World Cup-winning Springbok could emerge as Rassie Erasmus’ successor.
Here are our picks for the next head coach for every major rugby nation.
England – Shaun Edwards
One of the best coaches in the world is English, and the RFU should be targeting him as a replacement for Steve Borthwick.
Shaun Edwards’ reputation as a tactician and motivator is unparalleled, and his defensive acumen could immediately strengthen England’s set-up.
Edwards’ playing career in rugby league was legendary. He won eight championships and nine Challenge Cups with Wigan Warriors and played in a record eleven finals.
Transitioning to rugby union, Edwards coached London Wasps from 2005 to 2011, winning multiple Premiership titles and European trophies. He later became Wales’ defence coach, contributing to three Grand Slams and four Six Nations victories.
More recently, he guided France to three Six Nations titles as defence coach. His track record of adapting to new challenges, coupled with his tactical genius, positions him as a prime candidate to lead England forward.
