Erasmus’ tenure at Munster was ‘life-changing’ period
DEPARTING Munster coach, Rassie Erasmus graciously admitted after his final game with the province that his role has taught him ‘a hell of a lot, on the field and off the field’.
The 45 year-old South African watched his team overwhelm the Dragons 49-6 on Friday night in the Pro14.
‘I’ve learned a hell of a lot, on the field and off the field,’ Erasmus, who is being replaced by compatriot Johann Van Graan, admitted.
‘On the field specifically, it’s just different styles, different pressure, it’s different countries.
‘There’s two competitions... you play against clubs that have so
much money and you have to find a way to still beat them.
‘You’ve got supporters here that are really intense and support you right through tough times.
‘Then personally, just what happened the last year off the field was also a humbling lifechanging experience, a lot of things that I’ve learned about ourselves and family.
‘It’s tough; we didn’t plan on leaving after 18 months. We certainly settled in the neighbourhood, the people, the neighbours, the management, the players, we’ve made some really tight friends.
‘It’s tough to leave friends if you care about them. It’s tough to leave a club that’s been awesome to us. It’s sad but everyone has just been supportive.’ nDEFENDING champions Leicester Tigers made a winning start to the Anglo-Welsh Cup after Gloucester fly-half Lloyd Evans missed an easy penalty with four minutes remaining.
Trailing 26-24, Gloucester were awarded a penalty 30 metres out in front of the posts but Evans, who had kicked nine points, shoved it wide and Leicester held on to win their opening match at home.
They scored three tries through Charlie Thacker, Jonah Holmes and Adam Thompstone.