Simon Zebo says Munster's players are not fazed by Rassie Erasmus exit speculation
Thursday 31 October 2019 14:14, UK
Simon Zebo insists Munster’s players are not worried about director of rugby Rassie Erasmus leaving to return to his native South Africa this summer.
Rasmus has enjoyed a brilliant debut campaign in charge of the Irish province, leading Munster to the European Rugby Champions Cup semi-finals later this month, despite the death of head coach Anthony Foley in Paris early in the season.
Such has been Erasmus' success that he has been continually linked with a return to the Southern Hemisphere to take up a role with South Africa and he admitted last month discussions have taken place with South African officials.
But Ireland winger Zebo maintains the squad remain fully behind the 44-year-old former Springbok.
"If there was anything to say, he would have said it. I'm not concerned at all," Zebo said.
"Rassie is a real straight-shooter. We have no issues over speculation we can't control. Whatever has gone on, I'm sure something was taken out of context. That's what happens when you're in a big job or when you are wanted for a big job.
"Rassie has left us in no doubt that there's any need to be worried and that we're on the right path to achieve what we want to achieve."
Munster have experienced a resurgence this season, successfully harnessing the emotional turmoil which struck the squad in the wake of Foley's passing and combining that with marked technical improvements, for which Erasmus and defence coach Jacques Nienaber deserve enormous credit.
Zebo is confident Munster can continue on an upward trajectory, even if Erasmus elects to leave at the end of the season.
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"Obviously I wouldn't want to see it happen, definitely not, I don't think any player would, but in saying that, it wouldn't be the end of Munster Rugby," Zebo insisted.
"There's a core group of players here, the squad's average age is in the 20s. Rassie has brought a fresh voice and a new lease of life. We've made that transition from being young to grabbing it by the scruff of the neck.
"A lot of the players are on top of their game, so that's really driving us on. He has given us a nudge, a guide of where we need to go, that's been crucial, but there's a lot of players playing really well, so even if he did leave I'd like to think we'd keep that up."
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