“This is a watershed year for South African rugby with the off-field developments that are being discussed and it’s our job to make sure that everything remains on track on the field,” Springbok Head Coach Rassie Erasmus told the media on Tuesday morning.

“We’ve reviewed what it takes to be at the cutting edge of the game and we’ve repurposed the management structure to put as much resource as we can into the technical side of the game,” said Erasmus.

“The players will continue to get the necessary off-field support, but we wanted to make sure that we had the right roles filled to make sure that the main thing stays the main thing.”

Two key changes to the coaching personnel introduced to the media included coaches Tony Brown and Jerry Flannery.

“It’s a privilege to be involved with the Springboks and to contribute to this great set-up. It was exciting to meet the coaches and the players at the alignment camp last week, and to map out the plans for the season, so I’m really looking forward to this journey,” said former All Black flyhalf Brown, who is the new Springbok attack coach.

“I’m honoured to be part of the Springbok coaching team,”  added former Ireland hooker, Flannery, who takes care of the Springbok defensive unit. “I had the luxury of experiencing the environment for a short time during a training camp last season, and that gave me a taste of what to look forward to for the next few years.”

“I’m excited about the coaching and management team we’ve put together and really looking forward to getting out there once again,” added Erasmus after confirming his new management team for the season. Wales will offer the new Bok backroom team their first test when the two nations face up to one another at Twickenham on 22 June.

Springbok Management:
Rassie Erasmus: Head Coach
Charles Wessels: Team Manager
Mzwandile Stick: Assistant Coach
Daan Human: Assistant Coach
Deon Davids: Assistant Coach
Tony Brown: Assistant Coach
Jerry Flannery: Assistant Coach
Andy Edwards: Head of Athletic Performance
Sebastian Prim: Sport Scientist
Paddy Sullivan: Performance Analyst
Lindsay Weyer: Technical Analyst
Jaco Peyper: Laws and Discipline Advisor
Dr Jerome Lehlogonolo Mampane: Team Doctor
Dr Aneurin Robyn: Physiotherapist
Rene Naylor: Physiotherapist
JJ Fredericks: Logistics Manager
Zintsika Tashe: Operations Manager
Zeena Isaacs van Tonder: Media Manager