Former Ireland international Alan Quinlan has supported Schalk Burger’s recent claim that Felix Jones could be the ideal successor to Rassie Erasmus as head coach of the South African national rugby team. Quinlan, who played 27 Tests for Ireland between 1999 and 2008 and was a former teammate of Jones at Munster, believes that the ex-fullback is well-positioned to take over if Erasmus decides to step down.
Jones, who was part of the Springboks’ coaching staff when they won consecutive Rugby World Cups in 2019 and 2023, recently returned to South Africa after a brief stint as England’s defense coach in 2024. His return to the Springboks’ setup has fueled speculation about his potential future role within the team.
Quinlan acknowledged Erasmus’ success, describing him as a brilliant strategist who would not simply walk away from South African rugby without planning for his successor. He speculated that South Africa is likely already considering potential candidates for the head coach role post-2027, though it is uncertain whether they would look outside the country for leadership.
When asked whether Jones would be interested in taking on the role, Quinlan admitted it was difficult to determine. He noted that Jones had returned to South Africa, suggesting that he may have missed working with the team. However, the exact reasons behind his departure from the England coaching setup remain unclear.
Another name Quinlan mentioned as a strong candidate is Johann van Graan, the current head of rugby at Bath. Van Graan has led Bath to the top of the Premiership standings and could be in contention for the Springboks’ head coach position if he continues his success. Quinlan acknowledged that Van Graan’s tenure at Munster did not yield the desired results, partly due to differences in culture, team dynamics, and budget constraints. However, he emphasized that Van Graan has transformed Bath into a strong and competitive side, which could make him an attractive option for the South African Rugby Union.
Quinlan suggested that South Africa is likely already preparing for the possibility of Erasmus stepping down after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. While no commitments can be made this early, he speculated that officials are closely monitoring potential candidates to ensure a smooth transition if a coaching change becomes necessary.