The other Johann's case for Bok boss role
SPOTLIGHT: While Johan ‘Rassie’ Erasmus has already shown his tremendous coaching prowess, another Johann has been dominating in England – making a strong case for that Springbok head coach job.
With his eyes set on the historic treble chase, Bath boss Johann van Graan has been nominated for Director of Rugby of the Season at the inaugural The Rugby Awards.
The former Springbok assistant coach will go up against fellow nominees Michael Cheika (Leicester Tigers), Alex Sanderson (Sale Sharks), and George Skivington (Gloucester) for the award.
Springbok prop Thomas du Toit is in contention to become only the second prop to be named Premiership Player of the Season, after being shortlisted for the award alongside Bath teammate Finn Russell, Sale Sharks’ George Ford, Gloucester’s Tomos Williams, and Saracens’ Tom Willis.
Du Toit is the frontrunner to pick up the award following his incredible season, which has seen him become a try-scoring machine.
However, before picking up the awards, the pair must first help their team to an English treble-winning season – starting this weekend, when they face Lyon in the European Challenge Cup Final.
Van Graan’s men already secured a home play-off spot when they moved 15 points clear at the Premiership summit after beating Leicester Tigers 43–15.
The side will take on Saracens in the final league match before the play-offs.
Bath’s revival under Van Graan has been closely monitored by pundits, who have earmarked him as one of the men to succeed Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus.
While it has all been talk, the idea does not seem so far-fetched.
Last month, Van Graan told The Telegraph that it is something he will always entertain, given his roots.
“Who knows where the road goes in terms of rugby? Obviously, I’m South African, I’m a Springbok, and that’s not something that you ever ask for. It’s something that happens to you, because a lot of people believe you can do it.
“Rassie Erasmus is currently doing an amazing job – South Africa will be going for their third World Cup in a row. Who knows?
“Maybe it’s 10 more years at Bath. Maybe we will go back to South Africa one day. I’d like to coach all over the world, but I have learnt in my life that a week is a long time – so I’ll enjoy today, enjoy this season, the coming seasons, and whatever happens, happens.”
Van Graan was a technical advisor at the Bulls, where the 45-year-old won three Super Rugby titles before helping the Boks secure a bronze medal at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Player of the Season:
· Thomas du Toit (Bath)
· George Ford (Sale Sharks)
· Finn Russell (Bath)
· Tomos Williams (Gloucester)
· Tom Willis (Saracens)
Breakthrough Player of the Season:
· Afolabi Fasogbon (Gloucester)
· Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks)
· Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints)
· Joseph Woodward (Leicester Tigers)
Director of Rugby of the Season:
· Michael Cheika (Leicester Tigers)
· Alex Sanderson (Sale Sharks)
· George Skivington (Gloucester)
· Johann van Graan (Bath)
Community Player of the Season:
· Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
· Olly Hartley (Saracens)
· Lewis Ludlow (Gloucester)
· Will Muir (Bath)
