Rassie on Mngomezulu amid England rumours
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok management won’t convince anyone to don the Green and Gold against their will.
Fronting reporters on Tuesday, South African Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus addressed the recent speculation surrounding Stormers back Sacha Mngomezulu.
Recent reports out of United Kingdon suggested that the 20-year-old Mngomezulu is on England coach Eddie Jones’ radar.
The Junior Springbok skipper qualifies to play for England through his father, radio personality Nick Feinberg.
Having made his United Rugby Championship last season for the Stormers, Mngomezulu has been in incredible form for the franchise – scoring 22 points in his first start during the win over Zebre.
His performance received huge praise globally with pundits predicting a very bright Springbok future for him.
While Erasmus hinted that the 20-year-old’s international prospects could receive a major boost as he stands a good chance of being selected for the SA ‘A’ team in November.
The SA ‘A’ and Springboks will travel to Europe for the end-of-year tour next month.
#SPOTLIGHT: “If he plays good rugby, the door will always be open for him.” #rugby #news @Springboks #EltonJantjies #RassieErasmus https://t.co/QHZldnYgIY
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) October 18, 2022
“I think Sacha is in with a big chance of making the SA ‘A’ side,” Erasmus told reporters when asked about Mngomezulu.
“If Sacha was to play for us, he must make that SA ‘A’ side and play well for us there.
“If he does qualify for both [England and SA], it is his decision. We will never try and convince somebody who wants to play for another country, to play for us.
“It must be his own decision.
“He must want to play [for SA] and he must be proud to play for the Springboks. He must be willing to fight his way to the top. When he gets his opportunity, he must take it really well.”
Erasmus added he would be surprised if the rising star decides to play for England.
“If he qualifies for both and he would rather represent England, I will be surprised first of all,” Erasmus said, adding: “Secondly, it will be tough to change the guy’s mind.
“But, I don’t really care what Eddie has to say about it, it is about what Sacha says.”
Meanwhile, in an interview earlier this year the 20-year-old admitted that English clubs have approached him after school.
“I had the opportunity to go abroad straight after school, from several clubs,” he was quoted as saying.
“That would have meant me going into the England Under-20 set-up, which is what I didn’t want.
“We know there is more money overseas, but I’m fully focused on South Africa.”
