imageJOHANNESBURG: Former Springbok Rassie Erasmus is quitting a coaching post with South African Rugby (SAR) to become Director of Rugby at Irish provincial team Munster.

He will take up his post after South Africa host a three-Test series against Ireland during June, an SAR statement said on Monday.

"The decision to accept the Munster offer was made with my family at what we believe is the right time," said Erasmus of his move to the twice European champions.

"It was a tough decision as I believe I leave South African rugby at an exciting point.

"Allister Coetzee was the recommendation of my department to take over as Springboks coach.

"It is a new era for Springbok rugby and the team will never be far from my heart," added the former national team loose forward who won 36 caps between 1997 and 2001, including one as skipper.

Erasmus heads an SA Rugby-funded group of specialist coaches, known as the 'mobi unit', who assist provincial and national teams on request.

The coaches include former Springbok fly-half Louis Koen and South Africa-born ex-France prop Pieter de Villiers.

"I thank Rassie for the massive contribution he made in ensuring SA Rugby remain leaders on and off the field," SAR chief executive Jurie Roux said.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2016

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