As Paarl Boys’ High School announced the departure of its head coach, Stellenbosch University confirmed he would be heading over to Stellenbosch University (SU) to lead Maties Rugby.
On 7 August SU spokesman Martin Viljoen confirmed that Sean Erasmus would be taking up the position of Maties Rugby head coach from 1 September..
“Erasmus joins Maties following an outstanding tenure as head coach of Paarl Boys’ High School, where he established one of South Africa’s leading school rugby programmes,” said Viljoen.
Sean Erasmus, the newly appointed head coach of Maties Rugby. He joined the club following a six-year stint, as the first team coach at Paarl Boys’ High School. PHOTO: Supplied/Paarl Boys High School
The appointment of Erasmus as new head coach of Maties Rugby followed an “extensive and highly competitive” recruitment process, said Drikus Hancke, Maties Sport’s head of rugby.
“Sean distinguished himself through his proven ability to build successful rugby programmes, develop players and create strong team cultures,” said Hancke. “His experience across school, provincial and professional rugby, together with his leadership qualities and alignment with the values and ambitions of Maties Rugby, made him the standout candidate.”
The Danie Craven Stadium is located here at Coetzenburg Sportsground, where Maties Rugby plays all of their home games. PHOTO: Dylan Lackay
According to the PBHS’s media statement, prior to his appointment at Maties Rugby, Erasmus served as head coach of PBHS’s first rugby team for two separate stints, from 2014 to 2017 and then from late 2021 to 2026, respectively.
He also served as the under-19 and under-21 head coach at the Lions Rugby Union, in Johannesburg, as well as an assistant coach for the union’s senior team, in between his two stints at PBHS. This was also confirmed by Viljoen.
According to Ruan van Willing, a former PBHS player under Erasmus in 2023 and current Varsity Cup (VC) player for North-West University (NWU), Erasmus’ influence has been integral to his career and development.
“My experience with coach Sean as my coach changed my life, because where I am today is through him believing in me,” said Van Willing.
Van Willing will now get the opportunity to face Erasmus for the first time next year in the VC competition where he plays for the NWU Pukke.
“Facing coach Sean in the VC will be exciting and of course, challenging,” said Van Willing. “I’m excited to see what coach Sean can do with Maties, and as always, I’m happy for him and I wish him all the best.”
The Danie Craven Stadium, in Stellenbosch, where Maties Rugby plays all of their home games. The club celebrated its 150 year anniversary in 2025. Sean Erasmus will start as head coach for the club on 1 September. PHOTO: Dylan Lackay
According to Nollies de Vries, the acting principal at PBHS, Erasmus’ departure leaves big shoes to fill.
“This was Sean’s tenth year at the school, so the whole fact that he understands the school well, the culture, the ethos, the traditions and values, makes his departure difficult,” said De Vries.
According to a media statement released by the school, Erasmus boasts an 82.7% win percentage during his time as first team coach of PBHS, winning 153 of the 185 games he coached.