Johan Rassie Erasmus (born 5 November 1972) is a South African rugby union coach and former player.
He was the head coach of the South African national team from 2018 to the end of their 2019 World Cup campaign, doubling his duties as the first-ever SARU Director of Rugby, to which he was appointed towards the end of 2017.
He led South Africa to win the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and he subsequently won the 2019 World Rugby Coach of the Year award.
You can follow Rassie Erasmus’s net worth, salary, career stats, wife, and more here.
Rassie Erasmus’s Net Worth Details
Rassie Erasmus’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million to $10 million as of 2025.
The Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus’ prime sources of earnings are his rugby coaching salary, other business, endorsements, and sponsorship deals.
Salary and Career Earnings
Rassie Erasmus, a renowned South African rugby union coach and former player, has had a successful career in the sport.
He is the head coach of the South African national team and is reported to earn a salary in the millions of dollars.
Significant achievements have marked Erasmus’s career. As a player, he won 36 caps for the Springboks and had an 8-year career, during which he played for the Free State Cheetahs and the Golden Lions in the Currie Cup and the Cats and the Stormers in the Super 1.
About Rassie Erasmus
| Full name | Johan Erasmus |
| Nickname | Rassie |
| Date of birth | 5 November 1972 |
| Place of birth | Despatch, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Height | 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) |
| Weight | 99 kg (15 st 8 lb) |
| Nationality | South African |
| Current net worth | Between $1 million and $10 million |
| Relationship status | Married |
| Wife | Nicolene |
| Instagram profile | N/A |
Rassie Erasmus was born on November 5, 1972, in Despatch, Eastern Cape, South Africa. He attended Hoërskool Despatch and later the University of the Free State.
Playing Career
During his career, Erasmus played for the Free State, the Golden Lions, the Cats, and the Stormers.
He won 36 caps for South Africa between 1997 and 2001, including playing at the 1999 Rugby World Cup.
His significant achievements include finishing as runner-up in Super 12 (now Super Rugby) with the Cats in 2000 and 2001 and runner-up in the Currie Cup with Free State in 1994 and 1997.
Coaching Career
After retiring from rugby in 2003, Rassie Erasmus began coaching with the Free State Cheetahs.
Between then and 2017, he held several coaching positions with elite sides, including the Stormers and Munster.
In 2017, Rassie Erasmus became South Africa’s director of rugby; in 2018, he became the side’s head coach.
Only a year later, he guided the side to victory in The Rugby Championship and at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Due to the side’s success in the tournament, he was voted the World Rugby Coach of the Year for 2019.
Today, Rassie Erasmus stepped back from his coaching role and returned to his role as Director of Rugby for the South African national team.
Wife
Rassie Erasmus is married to Nicolene Erasmus, a former nurse. The couple has been married for over 20 years and has three daughters: twins Nikki and Carli, and a younger daughter, Janie.
Despite some confusion in sources about Rassie Erasmus’s wife’s name, with one source mistakenly referring to her as Yolanda Erasmus, the correct name is Nicolene, as confirmed by multiple reliable sources.
The Erasmus family also includes an English bulldog named Frank, a beloved pet often featured on Rassie’s social media.
Career Stats
| Statistic | Value |
| Caps for South Africa | 36 |
| Playing Career | Free State, Golden Lions, Cats, Stormers |
| Coaching Career | Free State Cheetahs, Stormers, Munster, South Africa National Team |
| Winning Percentage as Coach | 51.9% (81 games) |
FAQs
Who is Rassie Erasmus?
Rassie Erasmus is a South African rugby coach and former player. He was born in Despatch, South Africa, on November 5, 1972. He’s currently the head coach of the South African national rugby team, the Springboks.
What’s Rassie’s full name?
His full name is Johan “Rassie” Erasmus. He got the nickname “Rassie” during his time in the army.
What was Rassie’s playing career like?
Rassie played as a flanker for South Africa from 1997 to 2001. He earned 36 caps for the Springboks and played in the 1999 Rugby World Cup. He also played for teams like the Free State Cheetahs, Golden Lions, and Stormers.
What are some of Rassie’s biggest coaching achievements?
His biggest achievement is leading South Africa to victory in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He also coached the team to win the 2023 World Cup. He’s won the Rugby Championship and helped the Springboks become the world’s top-ranked team.
What’s unique about Rassie’s coaching style?
Rassie is known for his innovative approach to coaching. He’s big on using technology and data analysis to improve team performance. He’s also known for his focus on team culture and unity.
Has Rassie coached any other teams besides the Springboks?
Yes, he’s coached several teams. He started with the Cheetahs, then moved to Western Province and the Stormers. He also had a stint coaching Munster in Ireland before taking on the Springboks job.
What’s the Elite Player Development (EPD) pathway that Rassie created?
The EPD is a program Rassie started in 2013 to help develop young rugby talent in South Africa, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds. He considers this his biggest achievement, even more than winning the World Cup.
Has Rassie faced any controversies in his career?
Yes, he’s had a few. The most notable was during the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour when he released a video criticizing match officials. This led to a ban from World Rugby.
What’s Rassie’s educational background?
Rassie attended the University of the Free State. He’s known for being very analytical and was among the first players to use computers extensively for game analysis.
Has Rassie received any special honors for his work in rugby?
Yes, in 2024, Rassie was awarded an honorary doctorate by North-West University in South Africa. This was in recognition of his innovative management of the Springboks and his contributions to rugby and social responsibility.
