Rugby World Cup 2019: All change in coaching merry-go-round
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As South Africa celebrate a record-equalling third Rugby World Cup triumph, the newly-crowned champions are among a host of top international sides heading into a new era.
Rassie Erasmus worked wonders in a short space of time to transform the Springboks from failures into the best side in the world after taking over as head coach last March.
He has now relinquished the role to concentrate solely on his position as director of rugby, having juggled both jobs, and he will be a tough act to follow.
Steve Hansen's glorious New Zealand reign also came to an end in Japan, while Warren Gatland's long Wales tenure is over and Ireland will start life without Joe Schmidt following their quarter-final exit.
Australia are in the market for a new head coach too, and France have moved on from the man who led them in Japan. We take a look at their situations.
🗣"We never felt alone here in Japan. We felt our fans support all the way. We love them and can't wait to get back home."
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) November 2, 2019
Hear from @Springboks' coach Rassie Erasmus after his side's brilliant #RWCFinal performance#RWC2019 #ENGvRSA #WebbEllisCup pic.twitter.com/dsoUhrjBOX
SOUTH AFRICA
Erasmus only agreed to fill in as head coach when Allister Coetzee's turbulent spell in charge came to an end, but he has ruled out staying on.
The 46-year-old became the first man to oversee a Rugby Championship and World Cup triumph in the same year, but will now focus on a job with a wide-ranging remit.
South Africa are reportedly expected to promote from within to replace Erasmus, with defence coach Jacques Nienaber the leading contender.
Mzwandile Stick and Matt Proudfoot are also members of the current coaching step up who could be in the running.
NEW ZEALAND
The All Blacks are likely to opt for continuity as they consider who should be charged with the task of succeeding Hansen.
New Zealand were unable to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for an unprecedented third time in a row, but Hansen has left a lasting legacy.
The 60-year-old spent 15 years on the coaching staff and was a huge success in the top job after earning a promotion.
Hansen championed his assistant, Ian Foster, to replace him. Crusaders coach Scott Robertson and Glasgow Warriors chief Dave Rennie are other possibilities.
AUSTRALIA
The under-pressure Michael Cheika quit as Wallabies coach after an emphatic quarter-final defeat to England.
Cheika's position had long since been called into question and the new man will take over a side sixth in the rankings and in need of a shake-up.
England head coach Eddie Jones has been linked with a second spell in charge of his country, but said before a defeat to the Springboks in the final that he has not been in contact with Rugby Australia.
Cheika said an Australian should replace him and Stephen Larkham could be in the reckoning, though Rennie may get the nod if they look overseas.
WALES
Wayne Pivac was confirmed as Gatland's successor last year - a reward for his success with the Scarlets.
The former policeman will have big shoes to fill, with Gatland having turned Wales into a consistent force and winning the Grand Slam in his final Six Nations.
Gatland parted by stating it would break his heart if Wales returned to the doldrums, as if his compatriot Pivac was not already aware of the standards he would be expected to maintain.
IRELAND
Andy Farrell gets his chance to be Ireland's main man after Schmidt decided it was time to take a break.
The experienced Englishman has made a big impact as defence coach and Irish Rugby Football Union chiefs are confident he can be a success.
One of Farrell's first jobs will be to appoint a new captain after Rory Best's retirement and he will take over a strong squad, one smarting from a World Cup quarter-final exit.
FRANCE
France are in need of some stability with a World Cup to come on home soil in four years' time and they will be hoping Fabien Galthie is the man to provide it.
Galthie takes over from Jacques Brunel after Les Bleus were knocked out by Wales at the quarter-final stage in Japan.
Former France captain Galthie is contracted until 2023 and could be assisted by Shaun Edwards, who has played such a big part in Wales' success under Gatland.
