Johan "Rassie" Erasmus (born 5 November 1972 in Despatch, Eastern Cape) is a South African rugby union coach and former player, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in world rugby .
He began his elite playing career with Free State in 1994 and went on to represent the Cats, Golden Lions and Stormers in Super Rugby, earning 36 caps for the Springboks between 1997 and 2001 . He was part of the South Africa squad that won the 1998 Tri Nations and played at the 1999 Rugby World Cup, where the Springboks finished third . Known for his innovative approach even as a player, he famously travelled with a computer and printer on tour in the late 1990s to analyse opposition .
After retiring in 2003, Erasmus moved into coaching with Free State Cheetahs, leading them to Currie Cup glory in 2005 — their first title since 1976 . He later coached the Stormers and served as Director of Rugby at Western Province before spending two successful years (2016–2017) as Director of Rugb...
