Rassie Erasmus loans 4 Springbok coaches to ailing URC outfit

South Africa coaches Felix Jones, Jerry Flannery, Duane Vermeulen and Andy Edwards will provide short-term support for the Bulls following a request from the United Rugby Championship outfit.

Following a summer in which Johan Ackermann replaced Jake White at the helm at Loftus Versfeld, last season’s runners-up are languishing in 10th place in the URC with just three wins from their opening seven matches, and back-to-back losses in the Investec Champions Cup.

This is part of SA Rugby’s practice of sharing national coaching resources when requested.

SA Rugby emphasised that this is not a formal appointment for the coaches; rather, they will help remotely and in person on a limited basis.

Assistant coaches Jones and Flannery, SA Rugby Mobi-Unit coach Vermeulen, and Head of Athletic Performance Edwards are fresh from an unbeaten Quilter Nations Series with the Springboks, and now have some downtime before their first match of 2026, which will come against England at Ellis Park on July 4.

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The Bulls, meanwhile, travel to Cape Town on January 3 to take on the high-flying Stormers, who are yet to lose a match this season in any competition, before turning their attention back to the Champions Cup, where they will face the Bristol Bears and Pau.

“We maintain regular engagement with our franchises, and when they request input in specific areas, we assist within the normal scope of our roles,” said South Africa head coach Erasmus.

“We understand the importance of a strong, collaborative relationship between our provincial teams and the Springboks, as it ultimately benefits South African rugby as a whole.”

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer added: “Our approach has always been to work collaboratively with our franchises where possible. We want to see all our teams perform to the best of their ability, and we will continue to support them when they reach out for assistance.”