Van Graan backs Erasmus on team-naming row but insists players must always be told first

Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan has offered a measured defence of Rassie Erasmus’s controversial team-naming approach, saying there are “many different ways” to handle squad announcements — provided players are never left in the dark.

The issue flared after Erasmus named his Springboks side on a Monday last week, only to make a succession of changes as the week progressed, with the final alterations coming just an hour before kick-off. The approach drew criticism from several quarters of the rugby world, but van Graan, speaking at the Gallagher Premiership launch at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, declined to condemn it.

“I think there are many different ways to do it,” van Graan said. “The most important thing is whenever you name the team, the players must know what’s going on. Crystal-clear communication — and that’s something we’re very proud of.”

Van Graan’s view carries particular weight given his proximity to the Springboks set-up. He replaced Erasmus as Munster head coach in 2017 and is widely regarded as one of the leading candidates to eventually succeed him in the South Africa role.

The Bath director of rugby also spoke enthusiastically about the ongoing four-Test series between South Africa and New Zealand, describing it as “fascinating” and “brilliant.” The Springboks and All Blacks head into the third Test at FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday with one win each, making it a straight shootout for the South African leg of the series before the rivalry moves to the United States for the fourth and final match.

“Two amazing rugby nations playing in a four-Test series,” van Graan said. “The ferocity of it started at Ellis Park, and it’s fascinating to see the ebbs and flows — these mini matches within a match. The scrum has been a big talking point, and I went to the Bulls-All Blacks game a few weeks ago, which was special. Every Test between South Africa and New Zealand in South Africa is a special occasion, and I’m sure this weekend in Soweto will be no different.”