'He'd be amazing at that role' — Simon Zebo backs Rassie Erasmus for key IRFU role

The Munster winger says that Erasmus would be an 'amazing' choice to take on the role of IRFU High Performance Director.

South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus before the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match at the Stade de Marseille, France. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.

Simon Zebo had nothing but good things to say about the former South African World Cup winning coach Rassie Erasmus when his name was floated in connection with the soon-to-be-vacant IRFU High Performance Director post.

Zebo was optimistic about the possibility of Erasmus taking over the position of High Performance Director. Picture: INPHO/Evan Treacy.

Asked in the lead-up to Ireland's clash against Tonga what he thought about the rumours of Erasmus taking on the role, Zebo seemed excited at the prospect.

"He'd be amazing at that role I'd imagine, anything Rassie touches turns to gold. He's incredibly diligent in everything he does and I have no doubt he'd have a huge impact on Irish rugby across the board, from top to bottom."

Erasmus was head coach of the South African side that won the last World Cup in 2019. Picture: INPHO/James Crombie.

Aussie David Nucifora currently holds the position of High Performance Director but his contract expires after the World Cup and there are no indications that he plans to extend that deal with the IRFU, having been in the job since 2014.

"My contract is until the end of the World Cup, and we're talking about extending that for a little bit further. That would probably involve looking at some type of transition in that period,” said Nucifora last year.

"I think at some point, by the middle of 2024 I'll have been here 10 years, and I think that's a pretty good stretch."

"I think what we start to do is look at the future and I'm not saying that I'll definitely depart then, but we'll start thinking about who takes this role after me. You've got to keep evolving."

David Nucifora's contract with the IRFU is up in 2024 and the Irish are looking for a suitable replacement. Picture: INPHO/Dan Sheridan.

Several names have been bandied about for the position but Erasmus seems like the most attractive option. However, former Irish number eight Jamie Heaslip was slightly more skeptical about the potential appointment of Erasmus. 

"It's great that people like him are being named for what he's done. He's a World Cup winner and no one can argue against that. I just hope that they are looking at a lot of people and they haven't just spoken to one individual which they have been guilty of doing before with certain key positions. 

"Because coming to Ireland and operating in the system that we have, with the player pipeline that we have and the clubs, we have a really good foundation here so if we get the right person for it, and he is a really good candidate, it could be the thing that hopefully kicks us on."