Rassie commits to transformation goals

SPRINGBOK coach Rassie Erasmus committed to meeting set targets for racial transformation of the national team by meeting the 45% black player representation threshold this season.

Erasmus‚ 45‚ who is also the national director of rugby‚ believes that there are no excuses not to meet the target even if Super Rugby franchises seldom have more than 30% black player representation.

“I’m of the point of view that we must stop talking around it [transformation]‚” Erasmus said at Cape Town International airport at the conclusion of the third and final Springbok “alignment” camp. “We must talk about it. “The target is 45% this year and to be honest with you‚ it’s not 45% in every single game; it’s measured over the entire season.

“If I don’t reach the target by the end of the season‚ I have failed to achieve one of my Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). It’s as easy as that.

“I know there will be challenges because you could suddenly have five injuries and you have to make a plan.”

Erasmus was careful not to be too critical of the Super Rugby teams‚ who have generally been operating below transformation requirements.

He also pointed out that franchise coaches did not always do what the Bok coach requires when it comes to playing certain players‚ or choosing players in requested positions.

While there has been a strengthening of bonds between franchises and Erasmus‚ he is sympathetic.

“I was a franchise coach too‚ so I understand where they are coming from‚” Erasmus said.

“I’m not just talking transformation now. Sometimes we would like a guy at inside centre and the franchise will pick him at flyhalf.

“We will always leave the franchise coach to make the decision. But I think things are turning around for the better.”

“In terms of transformation‚ Trevor Nyakane [Bulls prop] is starting now and playing wonderful rugby. He’s getting a lot of game time. Siya’s [Kolisi‚ Stormers flank] game is coming back to its best.” – TimesLIVE