Munster Boss Rassie Erasmus Makes Jaco Taute Admission
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Munster’s Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has admitted they want to keep Jaco Taute.
The South African centre was brought in on a short-term deal as cover for the injured Francis Saili, becoming an instant hit with Munster fans thanks to a string of superb performances.
The monster centre has openly admitted in recent weeks that he would perhaps be interested in the prospect of signing a longer deal with the southern province beyond the current season.
Rassie contacted me after they knew about Francis’ injury, asking me if I’d be willing to take up this opportunity. I didn’t even have to think about it.
“I joined the Stormers when Rassie was there and when I joined the Springboks he was there, he was the performance analyst, so I knew him well before coming here.
At the moment, given it is short-term, I would like to take every opportunity in the red jersey to give my utmost best and to play and serve the jersey with the pride and the passion it deserves.
“I don’t want to look too far ahead into the future. I just want to take it week by week and then when the opportunity presents itself we will sit down and see. There is still a lot of water to go under the bridge and I need to play my socks off at every opportunity.”
Speaking ahead of Munster’s crucial Champions Cup tie with Leicester this weekend, the South African coach has admitted that they want to keep the star, but he will move on, with Francis Saili returning to full training this week.
“We want to keep him (Taute) but he was only a replacement for Francis and is definitely going on.
“Francis will train on the field for the first time and he will hopefully be available for the week of the Leinster game, if everything goes according to plan, either the A side, a club game or in the 23.
Erasmus’ admission perhaps suggests that while Taute will return to South Africa in the New Year, it’s possible that the door is open for a return next season, should Munster decided not to extend Saili’s contract.
