Rassie Erasmus is the Springboks' general manager © Getty Images

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The South African Rugby Union has announced the appointment of Rassie Erasmus as their general manager.

The former Stormers coach will take on responsibility for the high performance teams and will also be involved with the Springboks when they are in camp. Erasmus left the Stormers in January sparking rumours he was set for a switch to the Springboks.

Rassie Erasmus' CV

• 36 Springboks caps
• 2005-2007 - Coach - Free State Cheetahs
• 2007-2011 - Director of coaching - Stormers
• Achievements: Currie Cup champions with Cheetahs (2005 and 2007), Super Rugby runners-up (2010) and SA Conference winners (2011) with Stormers.

The 36-cap international acted as technical analyst for the Boks during the 2011 World Cup and Boks coach Heyneke Meyer was delighted to have Erasmus on board in his new-look coaching team.

Meyer said: "Rassie's inputs to the Springboks last year were lauded by everyone I spoke to and his coaching pedigree speaks for itself, considering the vast amount of success he's had at the Cheetahs and Western Province.

"I'm excited to have him on board and I know he will add value to rugby in South Africa, which is ultimately what his job will be."

SARU CEO Jurie Roux explained Erasmus' role saying: "Rassie is one of the most astute brains in world rugby - his appointment at SARU will ensure we have the best possible leadership at our national teams. He will work with all the national teams, but will be involved with the Springboks while they are in camp.

"Our aim is to always produce winning teams and Rassie's main task will be to establish structures to do this. He will be tasked to create a blueprint for South African rugby that can be implemented from junior to senior level, for our men's, women's and sevens' teams."

Roux has also revealed - as expected - that the SARU has entered into negotiations with Bulls quartet Johann van Graan, Ricardo Loubscher, John McFarland and Basil Carzis with a view to the four joining Meyer at the Boks.

The SARU also announced that they are keen on recruiting Cheetahs conditioning coach Niel du Plessis, Paarl Gynasium director of rugby Louis Koen, Pieter de Villiers and Ian Schwartz.