Fireside chats and moderated Q&A sessions
Executives, corporate leaders, sports organizations, conferences, and leadership teams
Dr. Rassie Erasmus is an internationally respected rugby leader and strategist, best known for guiding the South African Springboks to Rugby World Cup glory in 2019 & 2023. A former Springbok flanker who transitioned into coaching, Erasmus became the first South African to hold both the head coach and Director of Rugby positions simultaneously, a role in which he redefined leadership and built one of the most formidable teams in world rugby.
His influence extends beyond sport. With over two decades of experience navigating high-performance environments, Erasmus is a compelling speaker who connects the challenges of elite rugby with those faced in business and leadership. Known for his innovative approach, resilience, and ability to unite diverse individuals under immense pressure, he now brings these insights to global audiences.
Unlike traditional keynote speakers, Erasmus prefers engaging formats such as fireside chats and moderated Q&A sessions, where he offers authentic, unscripted insights into leadership, strategy, and overcoming adversity. His sessions provide attendees with actionable takeaways rooted in real-world experience at the pinnacle of international sport.
Rassie Erasmus stands as an indomitable figure in South African rugby, a luminary whose legacy is etched in the annals of the sport’s history. As the Director of Rugby for South Africa and a revered Springbok Rugby Legend, Erasmus embodies excellence both on and off the field. His illustrious career culminated in triumphs at the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups, solidifying his status as a titan of the game. With a blend of strategic acumen, leadership prowess, and a deep-rooted passion for rugby, Erasmus transcends the boundaries of sport to inspire audiences worldwide.
Rassie Erasmus’ journey to the zenith of rugby leadership is marked by a tapestry of experiences and accomplishments. Hailing from the heartlands of South Africa, Erasmus was forged in the crucible of rugby, honing his skills and fortifying his resolve from a young age. His playing career, spanning over a decade, saw him don the esteemed Springbok jersey with pride, earning accolades for his tenacity and tactical brilliance on the field.
Transitioning seamlessly from player to coach, Erasmus showcased an innate understanding of the game’s nuances, laying the groundwork for his meteoric rise in the coaching ranks. With stints at esteemed clubs and franchises, Erasmus cultivated a reputation as a master tactician, adept at crafting winning strategies and instilling a culture of excellence within his teams.
At the helm of South African rugby, Erasmus’ impact reverberated across the global rugby landscape. His visionary leadership and astute management transformed the Springboks into a formidable force, culminating in historic triumphs at the Rugby World Cups in 2019 and 2023. Under his stewardship, South Africa reclaimed its rightful place atop the rugby pantheon, uniting a nation and inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Erasmus’ expertise extends beyond the confines of the rugby pitch, encompassing leadership development, team dynamics, and strategic planning. Armed with firsthand experiences gleaned from the crucible of elite sport, he imparts invaluable lessons on resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence, resonating with audiences from diverse backgrounds.
Rassie Erasmus stands as a paragon of excellence in the world of rugby and beyond. His storied career, marked by triumphs on the field and in the boardroom, serves as a beacon of inspiration for individuals and organizations worldwide. As a speaker, Erasmus offers invaluable insights gleaned from a lifetime of dedication to his craft, empowering audiences to unlock their full potential and strive for greatness. Book Rassie Erasmus through Speakers Inc today and embark on a transformative journey of learning, growth, and inspiration.
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A curated look at Rassie Erasmus’s finest moments from the acclaimed documentary series, showcasing his leadership, vision, and impact on Springbok rugby.
This highlight reel captures some of the most memorable sequences from Chasing the Sun, focusing on South Africa’s Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus. The clips chart his journey from taking charge of a struggling Springbok side to masterminding their 2019 Rugby World Cup triumph.
Viewers see Erasmus in team meetings, halftime talks, and strategy sessions, emphasizing honesty, discipline, and belief. His ability to connect with players on a personal level is underscored, blending tactical genius with deep empathy. The documentary shows his willingness to make bold calls, from selection gambles to revolutionary game plans, often against heavy criticism.
The video underscores key themes of Erasmus’s leadership: resilience under pressure, empowering his players, and cultivating a culture of trust. His passion for the jersey and ability to instill collective purpose resonate throughout the compilation. For fans, it’s both an inspiring reminder of the 2019 journey and a masterclass in modern sports leadership.
00:00 — Opening montage. South Africa’s struggles before Erasmus takes over.
01:15 — Rassie’s first team addresses: laying out a new vision.
02:30 — Behind-the-scenes strategy sessions, candid insights with players.
04:00 — Halftime talks that shifted pivotal games during the World Cup.
06:20 — Building belief: personal connections and player empowerment.
08:00 — Tactical innovations and bold selection decisions.
09:45 — The final push: World Cup final preparation and motivation.
11:00 — Closing montage of celebrations, legacy reflections, and enduring influence.
An official Springbok Rugby feature on the warrior mindset, trust, and unity that define South Africa’s world-champion rugby culture.
This video from the official Springbok channel explores the deeper meaning of what it takes to be a “warrior” in rugby. It begins with a poetic reflection on the diverse personalities within a team: jokers, dreamers, leaders, and the ones who bring heart when it’s most needed. The essence of a warrior, the narrator explains, is not about showmanship but about resilience, sacrifice, and carrying the collective on and off the field.
The discussion highlights rugby as a game for all shapes and sizes, from small, elusive players like Cheslin Kolbe to the imposing strength of forwards who dominate scrums and mauls. South African rugby DNA, built on powerful set-pieces and relentless work ethic, is celebrated alongside the creativity, skill, and intelligence that smaller players bring.
Trust is emphasized as the foundation of the game: teammates depend on one another in high-risk collisions and scrums. The video contrasts superficial images of “warrior culture” with the Springbok philosophy of quiet toughness, unity, and playing for something larger than oneself. The team’s commitment to representing South Africa’s diverse cultures is evident, with references to players from townships and farms uniting under one jersey.
The piece closes with footage of training, tackles, and matches, underscored by crowd applause and music, reinforcing that the Springboks’ warrior spirit is defined not just by physical dominance but by trust, discipline, and pride in their country.
00:00 — Introduction with a poem describing the makeup of a rugby team and the meaning of “warrior.”
01:10 — Rugby as a game for all shapes and sizes, with comparisons of players’ physical contrasts.
02:00 — South Africa’s DNA: scrums, mauls, and powerful set-piece play.
03:00 — Skill, creativity, and game sense as essential qualities beyond raw strength.
04:00 — Trust between players in dangerous collisions, scrums, and tackles.
05:10 — Redefining the “warrior” as a player who sacrifices for teammates and country.
06:00 — Cultural unity: township to private school, farm to city, all represented in one team.
07:00 — Closing visuals of Springboks in action, crowd celebrations, and the warrior ethos in practice.
A candid reflection from Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus on personal struggles, career setbacks, and why South Africa’s 2019 World Cup victory was uniquely powerful.
In this heartfelt video, Rassie Erasmus opens up about the highs and lows of his rugby journey. He begins by acknowledging the many positives in his career but admits to personal mistakes and moments where challenges overwhelmed him. Erasmus recalls his father’s inability to manage a difficult financial burden, and how this shaped his outlook on resilience and responsibility.
He reflects on his reputation as one of the best forwards in the world during his playing days and admits that even top athletes can buy into external praise, which sometimes derails focus. He describes his early coaching years, filled with Wednesday-night mistakes and weekend performances that didn’t always match expectations.
Erasmus candidly admits he made every mistake a young man could, including not being able to secure a Super Rugby trophy. Yet, those failures laid the groundwork for what would become his greatest coaching triumph. He highlights how the 2019 Rugby World Cup win was even more meaningful than South Africa’s historic 1995 victory, due to the broader challenges the nation faced at the time.
The video closes with Erasmus expressing pride in representing South Africa, emphasizing that true success lies not only in trophies but in what a team’s journey means to a country.
00:00 — Erasmus reflects on good moments but acknowledges personal and professional challenges.
00:40 — Story about his father’s struggles with financial responsibility.
01:15 — On being hailed as one of the world’s best forwards and the danger of believing media praise.
02:00 — Recalling youthful mistakes, late nights, and learning the hard way.
02:45 — Admission of failing to win a Super Rugby trophy as a coach.
03:20 — The turning point: realizing something special could come from a group of players.
04:00 — Why the 2019 Rugby World Cup triumph was more powerful than 1995.
04:45 — Closing remarks: pride in South Africa, and the lessons that come from struggle and growth.
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