Rassie Erasmus Has His Say On Anthony Foley’s Role With Munster

When it was revealed that Rassie Erasmus was to become Munster’s new Director of Rugby, despite Anthony Foley signing a one-year extension, the question was asked as to what role Foley will now have with Munster.

When Foley himself was asked about his role as a result of the South African’s arrival, the former Munster captain himself couldn’t give a definitive answer. Erasmus gave his first real interview with the press yesterday and was quick to clarify Foley’s role.

For me, Axel is still the head coach. He worries about the day-to-day things and setting up the team for the next opponent. I put the tactics in place and make sure we have the right strategies, but he puts it into action.

Simon Zebo of Munster is seen behind members of the Munster coaching team, from left to right, head coach Anthony Foley, technical coach Felix Jones, scrum coach Jerry Flannery, director of rugby Rassie Erasmus, and defence coach Jacques Nienaber after Munster Rugby Squad Training at University of Limerick in Limerick. (Photo By Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Erasmus was also keen to emphasise the importance of Foley, Felix Jones, and Jerry Flannery to keep the Munster culture. He’s not looking to change things too drastically and has set himself some considerable targets.

The most important thing is to have Munster guys helping drive the culture. You get myself and Jacques coming in and if you were looking at another assistant or five different players you would bugger up the Munster culture.

Target wise, I would be naive to think if we don’t have a massive improvement on last year, I’m not naive enough to think people will say, ‘Oh we’re trying hard, we’re improving slowly, don’t worry, you’ll be there’… I’ve been there and if we don’t see a massive improvement we’ll all be under pressure.

This is the kind of positive thinking Munster fans, no doubt want to hear.