South Africa extend Erasmus contract to 2031 World Cup

South Africa have extended the contract of head coach Rassie Erasmus and tied him in until the end of the 2031 Rugby World Cup.

Erasmus' previous deal with the Springboks was due to expire at the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, where his side will attempt to land an unprecedented third successive title.

"This was a quick and easy conversation to reach agreement," said Erasmus, 53.

"I have always said that I would find it hard to coach any other international team, and I'm very happy to continue as long as the South African public wants me."

Meanwhile, South Africa announced they will take on England at altitude in the summer, with Johannesburg's Ellis Park - nearly 1,800m above sea level - picked to stage the two teams' eagerly-anticipated meeting on 4 July.

The Springboks will also take on Scotland at Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld (1350m up) and Wales in coastal Durban on 11 and 18 July respectively in the first round of matches in the new Nations Championship.

Erasmus was appointed as South Africa's director of rugby in March 2018, after they had slipped to sixth in the world rankings and won only 11 of their previous 25 Tests.

His predecessor Allister Coetzee's final game in charge was a 24-22 defeat by Wales in Cardiff.

Erasmus guided South Africa to the Rugby Championship and the Rugby World Cup in 2019, and was briefly linked with a switch to coach England after the tournament.

South African media reported he had held talks with the Rugby Football Union about succeeding Eddie Jones, with speculation fuelled by Erasmus attending England's win over Scotland at Murrayfield.

However, Erasmus quashed the rumours, posting on social media a video of his team talk before the Boks' World Cup final win over England with the caption: "Not sure I would know what to say to any other team before a W Cup final. Not happening!!!"

It remains pinned to the top of his X profile.

South Africa went on to retain the Rugby World Cup in France four years later and are clear leaders at the top of the world rankings after winning 23 of their 27 Tests since.

SA Rugby, the national union, said that "an announcement on the contract negotiations with other members of the Springbok coaching team will be made in due course".

Irishman Felix Jones, who rejoined South Africa after an ill-fated seven-month stint with England, his compatriot Jerry Flannery and long-standing backs coach Mzwandile Stick are among Erasmus' backroom staff.