A legend of Munster rugby has been tipped as a replacement for Rassie Erasmus

What does the future hold for Munster and Rassie Erasmus?

Rumours are circulating that Rassie Erasmus will leave Munster to join the South African national team set-up, and Isaac Boss has an interesting prospect to succeed him. Sport24 published a story today saying that the details of Rassie's new role have already been agreed. The report says: "In his new position as SA Rugby's director of rugby, Erasmus will be tasked with initiating a plan to return the Boks to the same level as the world's No 1-ranked team.

"Springbok coach Allister Coetzee will report to Erasmus. The partnership will be similar to the one Coetzee and Erasmus enjoyed at the Stormers, when the latter was also director of rugby."

It looks pretty ominous, doesn't it? If the South African does leave the province in the next few weeks or months, who is best placed to replace him as head coach? We spoke about it on the latest episode of The Hard Yards rugby podcast and former Ireland scrum half Boss gave an interesting potential successor. He commented:

"The natural successor would be Paulie [O'Connell], I'd imagine, but I'm not sure if he is ready to step up to that role. He is involved in the academy there and I think that is the natural progression, rather than someone who is already there - like Felix Jones or Jerry Flannery." 

The Erasmus-Munster-O'Connell conversation starts at the 35:00 mark. https://soundcloud.com/thehardyardssportsjoe/episode-21-captain-peter-omahony-gatlands-surprises-and-rassies-future-with-munster