The Springbok centre, Lukhanyo Am, has welcomed the reappointment of Rassie Erasmus as the head coach of the national team.

Erasmus takes full charge of the four-time World Champions for a second spell as the head coach after stepping back from the role in 2019 to serve as the Director of Rugby.

While the former Free State captain and coach stayed involved, he replaced his good friend Jacques Nienaber in the role. Nienaber quit his role after winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France in order to take up a new job at the Irish outfit, Leinster.

Am said Erasmus has a positive influence on the team and he knows the system.

“I'm really happy that Rassie will be the head coach once again,” said the Sharks captain.

“In the past we knew how much influence he had on us in the group and it's not as if over the last four years that he wasn't entirely involved.

“I think it was a similar setup as with Jacques Nienaber, as they have worked together for many years.

“I don't think a lot will change with him being the head coach again, but I know how much influence he has on the team.”

Erasmus has brought in the former All Blacks and Highlanders flyhalf, Tony Brown, as well as the former Ireland and Munster hooker, Jerry Flannery, as new assistants to replace Nienaber and Felix Jones.

In addition, the two-time World Cup winning for Springboks 8th-man, Duane Vermeulen, was brought in with a roving coaching role. Mzwandile Stick, Deon Davids, Daan Human and Andy Edwards remain part of the technical team.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport