A round up of what some of South Africa’s leading Sunday papers are saying, including an update on Rassie Erasmus’ future.

The major rugby story in Rapport looks at the contract situation between SA Rugby and Erasmus. According to the report, written by Hendrik Cronje, SA Rugby have offered their director of rugby a contract extension until 2023. Erasmus’ contract was apparently set to expire at the end of next year and there were rumours that England were interested in securing his services.. However, according to the latest updates, it looks likely that Erasmus will accept the new contract and stay at least until the end of the next World Cup. Erasmus himself has made his commitment to SA Rugby clear in a series of videos released on Twitter this past week.

Rassie: ‘Diversity, it’s our strength’ 

Meanwhile, it appears as if Cheslin Kolbe’s dream of winning a World Cup and Olympic gold medal within 12 months is over. According to Rapport, Kolbe’s French club Toulouse have refused a request from the Blitzboks to release him for action during the upcoming World Sevens Series tournament in Los Angeles, which takes place from 29 February until 1 March. That effectively ends any chance of integrating Kolbe into the Sevens set-up, therefore dashing the opportunity for him to play in the Tokyo Olympic Sevens.

In other news, Jaque Fourie has returned to South Africa, following his stint as a defence coach for the USA. The former Springbok is busy with consultation with Krugersdorp-based high school Noordheuwel and is also helping out at Roodepoort rugby club.

Photo: Johan Rynners/Gallo Images

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