Rassie named Barbarians coach

SA Rugby director of rugby and Springbok coach, Rassie Erasmus, has been named the Barbarians coach for when the famed club plays later this season.

Erasmus’ naming as coach follows his Springbok side’s historic 36-34 win over New Zealand in Wellington this past weekend. A date has already been confirmed for the Baa Baas as they face Argentina in the Killik Cup match on Saturday, December 1.

The club will return to Twickenham for the clash, where they broke records earlier this year in a 63-45 win against England .

Of the appointment Erasmus said “It’s a terrific honour to be invited to coach the Barbarians later this year and it should be a great occasion at Twickenham.”

“The Barbarians are renowned for bringing together great individuals and the challenge for coaches is moulding them into a team that plays wonderful rugby, which they certainly showed earlier this year against England.

“There’s a lot of important games for South Africa between now and then but the chance to work with a new group and take on Argentina once more will be a great end to the year.”

The Pumas won the last clash between the sides, in 2015.

Three Springboks, in Eben Etzebeth, Handre Pollard and Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira have accepted invitations already and will be joining the squad in London after South Africa’s November internationals against England, France, Scotland and Wales.

Scrumhalf Will Genia will then join the squad after being in Europe with Australia for their Tests against Wales, Italy and England.