Rassie Erasmus says Japan remains a valuable destination for seasoned Springboks, but young players based there won’t be considered for Test selection.
Speaking on the eve of the new Japan Rugby League One season, Erasmus said the competition plays an important role in extending the careers of senior Springboks.
“For certain players who’ve already made their mark, going to Japan is definitely less tiring on their bodies,” Erasmus explained. “The Japanese league has a rule that you can only have so many foreign-based players [on the field at once]. That means our guys – especially the older ones – actually get a lot more rest there.
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“Manie [Libbok] is playing in the B division in Japan [for the Kintetsu Liners], but we know what he can do, and he’s being coached by [former Wallabies] Quade Cooper [attack] and Will Genia [skills], so there’s a lot of positives there for us.”
But while the environment is ideal for veterans managing their workload, Erasmus stressed that Japan is not the place for young South African players hoping to break into the national squad.
“For a young guy to go to Japan, we will definitely not pick him,” he said.
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Erasmus also praised the “really good relationship” between the Japanese clubs and SA Rugby.
“Last year, players were released for a game outside the Test window and again for our last game against Wales,” he said. “That helps us a lot.”
Japan-based Jasper Wiese, Kwagga Smith, Franco Mostert and Damian de Allende all featured in the Boks’ 73-0 win in Cardiff.
Photo: Sponichi
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