Ever since it emerged back in February that Munster would be altering their management structure by appointing a Director of Rugby, numerous candidates have been mentioned.
Initially, there was Todd Blackadder, the Canterbury Crusaders coach, and then some names from the past, Tony McGahan and Declan Kidney. In his Irish Examiner column, Ronan O'Gara revealed that World Cup-winning former South Africa coach Jake White had shown some interest in the job. Recently departed England head coach Stuart Lancaster and, of course, Paul O'Connell were also mooted.
This week, a leading candidate has emerged, one whom even the real rugby nerds might not have recognised initially.
The Irish Independent reported on Monday that Johan 'Rassie' Erasmus - the ex-Cheetahs head coach and current general manager of high performance for South African Rugby was the man most likely to fill the role.
When announcing Anthony Foley's contract extension last month, the province also confirmed that a Director of Rugby would be in place for the start of next season.
If Erasmus is the man who Munster appoint, he will have the backing of one of their key players for the future - his fellow South African CJ Stander.
Quoted by the Irish Independent, Stander sounded positive regarding the possibility.
I know Johan, yeah, I worked with him a few times. He's a good guy, he has played for the Springboks. He is a good coach, he will bring something different whatever happens.
He worked with the Cheetahs, he will bring a type of game that is a bit more open. He has always got something up his sleeve, so it will be interesting to see what happens if he signs and what he can bring.
Picture credit: Diarmuid Greene / SPORTSFILE
