“More than a player” – Rassie Erasmus named the greatest rugby player of all-time
Rugby NewsThursday, 15 January 2026 at 19:51
Rassie Erasmus is not known for crowning individuals as the “greatest of all time”, preferring instead to talk about systems, teams and collective effort.
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But when it comes to Siya Kolisi, the Springbok director of rugby has delivered praise so strong, so consistent, that it places the Bok captain among the most revered figures the game has ever seen.
From the moment Erasmus appointed Kolisi as Springbok captain in 2018 — a decision he admits came at personal cost — his belief in Kolisi has never wavered.
“I lost a lot of friends”
Reflecting on the decision to hand Kolisi the captaincy, Erasmus openly admitted how controversial the call was at the time.
“I lost a lot of friends when I made Siya captain. But I believed he was the right person to lead this team.”
— Rassie Erasmus, News24
That faith would be repaid in the most emphatic way possible, with Kolisi captaining South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory in 2019 and again in 2023.
“He controls the climate of the team”
Erasmus has repeatedly highlighted that Kolisi’s greatness lies not only in his performances on the field, but in his ability to shape the environment around him.
Speaking to Reuters, Erasmus said:
“Siya controls the climate, the vibe of the team very well. He can create an environment for the team, and that is something very special.”
— Rassie Erasmus, Reuters
For a coach renowned for obsessing over marginal gains and preparation, that kind of endorsement speaks volumes.
“He changed my mindset”
Perhaps the most telling praise Erasmus has ever given Kolisi is the admission that the Bok captain changed his own view of leadership.
“Siya’s leadership changed my mindset on the role of the Springbok captain.”
— Rassie Erasmus, SABC Sport
It is a rare concession from a coach of Erasmus’s stature — and one that underlines just how highly Kolisi is regarded internally.
“There was a stage when he didn’t have food”
After the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, Erasmus delivered one of his most emotional reflections on Kolisi’s journey.
“There was a stage when Siya didn’t have food to eat. And here he sits as captain and he led South Africa to hold this cup.”
— Rassie Erasmus, The Guardian
The quote resonated far beyond rugby, capturing why Kolisi’s influence transcends trophies and statistics.
More than a player
While Erasmus has never formally said the words “Siya Kolisi is the greatest rugby player of all time”, his repeated comments make one thing clear: Kolisi represents greatness in its purest form — leadership, resilience, humility and impact.
In Erasmus’s eyes, Kolisi is not just a world-class flanker or a double World Cup-winning captain. He is a symbol of what rugby can achieve at its very best.
And sometimes, that says more than any label ever could.
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The best rugby coaches in the world 2025 (Ranked 10-1)
Here, we examine the standout head coaches in world rugby right now, measuring success not just in trophies, but in impact, evolution and lasting influence.
10 Fabien Galthié
France’s resurgence over the past five years owes much to a coach who understands both flair and pressure. After building his coaching credentials in the Top 14 with Stade Français, Montpellier and Toulon, Fabien Galthié stepped into the national role in 2020. The results were immediate: a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2022 and another title in 2025.
Under his guidance, France have become one of the most watchable teams in world rugby. Yet with such depth of talent available, debate persists over whether this golden generation has fully peaked under his leadership.
9 Pablo Lemoine
Progress is rarely linear, and few coaching journeys illustrate that better than Chile’s rise under Pablo Lemoine. Appointed in 2018, he endured heavy defeats and a long wait for his first win, working with a squad new to elite international rugby. Patience paid off. Historic victories over Canada and the United States secured Chile’s first Rugby World Cup appearance in 2023.
While results at the tournament were harsh, the long-term growth has been undeniable. With landmark wins continuing and World Cup qualification secured again, Lemoine’s work stands as one of the sport’s great development success stories.
8 Scott Robertson
Silverware has followed Scott Robertson everywhere he has coached. Taking charge of the Crusaders in 2017, he immediately delivered Super Rugby titles—then kept delivering, building a dynasty unmatched in the professional era. Seven consecutive championships speak to his ability to innovate while maintaining elite standards.
Known as much for his infectious energy as his tactical sharpness, Robertson fostered a culture of freedom and accountability. Now entrusted with the All Blacks, his early tenure has been measured rather than explosive. Still, few doubt that a coach with his pedigree is capable of ushering in another dominant era.
7 Felipe Contepomi
A deep understanding of the game has defined Felipe Contepomi’s transition from player to coach. His early work with Argentina XV showcased his leadership, before a move to Leinster sharpened his attacking philosophy during a period of sustained success. Returning home, Contepomi helped guide the Pumas to historic wins over Scotland, England and New Zealand, and a fourth-place finish at the 2023 World Cup.
Elevated to head coach shortly after, he delivered Argentina’s best-ever Rugby Championship campaign. Calm, thoughtful and highly respected, Contepomi is steadily shaping a side capable of competing with the world’s best.
6 Ugo Mola
Replacing a club legend is rarely straightforward, but Ugo Mola made Stade Toulousain his own. After a transitional period, he oversaw a recruitment and development strategy that turned Toulouse into European rugby’s benchmark. His teams play at pace, embrace offloading and trust young talent alongside established stars.
The results are staggering: multiple Top 14 titles and two Champions Cups in a golden era for the club. More than trophies, Mola has cultivated a strong identity and culture, ensuring Toulouse’s success feels sustainable rather than fleeting. Few club coaches in the world can match his consistency.
5 Joe Schmidt
Calm, clarity and control returned to Australian rugby the moment Joe Schmidt arrived. Taking over after a turbulent period, he quickly imposed structure and belief on a struggling Wallabies side. Early wins signalled change, but it was a remarkable comeback victory over South Africa at Ellis Park in 2025 that truly captured his influence.
Though family considerations shaped his contract length, Schmidt’s impact has been profound. Known for his meticulous preparation and in-game intelligence, he once again proved that strong systems and trust in players can revive even the most fragile rugby environments.
4 Steve Borthwick
There is a quiet authority to Steve Borthwick’s coaching style, built on detail and evolution rather than noise. After success with Leicester Tigers, including a Premiership title, he inherited an England side in need of stability. Gradually, his vision has taken shape. By 2025, England were not only winning consistently but doing so while playing more positive rugby.
An 11-win season underlined his progress. Borthwick’s willingness to adapt—rather than impose rigid ideology—has earned player trust and results, positioning him as a coach capable of delivering sustained international success.
3 Andy Farrell
Intensity and precision now define Ireland, and that transformation has unfolded under Andy Farrell’s watch. Since assuming the head coach role in 2020, he has guided Ireland to multiple Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2023, and landmark series wins in New Zealand.
Farrell’s Ireland are ruthless in execution and mentally resilient, often overwhelming opponents through sustained pressure. While World Cup success has remained elusive, his broader influence is undeniable. Now entrusted with leading the British & Irish Lions, Farrell’s standing among the game’s elite coaches continues to grow.
2 John Mitchell
Winning has become routine for England’s Red Roses, and John Mitchell is the driving force behind it. Since taking charge, he has overseen an extraordinary unbeaten run, a Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam, and ultimately World Cup glory in 2025. England now dominate with physicality, composure and tactical clarity.
Mitchell’s pedigree stretches across multiple nations, but his work with England women may be his most complete achievement yet. Recognised as World Rugby Coach of the Year, he has elevated an already strong programme into a truly dominant global force.
1 Rassie Erasmus
Modern rugby has rarely seen an influence like Rassie Erasmus. When he took control of South African rugby in 2018, belief was restored almost instantly. What followed were World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023, multiple Rugby Championship titles, and a Springbok side renowned for tactical flexibility and mental toughness.
Erasmus’ willingness to challenge convention—both on and off the field—has reshaped how international teams operate. Success under pressure has become South Africa’s trademark. Relentlessly competitive and endlessly innovative, Erasmus stands alone as the defining coach of the current era.
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