Rassie began his rugby coaching career in 2004 and was appointed Rugby Union Director of Rugby in 2017 and Head Coach a year later.

He led the Springboks to win the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups and is the first coach to win both the Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup in the same year. He is a world class strategist known for his tactical brilliance, innovative game plans, and psychological insights into players. Appointing South Africa’s first black captain Siya Kolisi, signalled his intention to transform the team and ensure success. 

He was named World Rugby Coach of the Year in 2019 and awarded an honorary doctorate in Coaching Science by the North-West University in 2024.  

He recently authored the autobiography Rassie: Stories of Life and Rugby.