Rassie Erasmus has won World Cups, conquered rankings and outfoxed rugby’s sharpest minds, yet on Christmas morning in Blouberg, his most powerful tactic was simply putting one foot in front of the other.
Cape Town woke to the unlikely sight of the Springboks head coach leading a green-and-gold procession along the coastline, less drill sergeant and more festive pied piper.
The invitation had been issued weeks earlier on social media, and like all good Rassie plans, it sounded deceptively simple.
“This is to thank you for your passionate support and the way you carry us,” he wrote.
“Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie (They don’t know what we know).”
At 06:00 sharp, the six-kilometre Christmas pilgrimage set off from outside Doodles Beachfront Restaurant in Bloubergstrand, stretching towards Table View before circling back three kilometres out, three kilometres home, no VAR review required.
It was the same route as last year, proving that while Erasmus enjoys innovation, he also respects a winning formula.
What started as a casual stroll has quietly doubled in size, evolving into a feel-good festive ritual where Bok supporters swap scarves for takkies and tactics chats for ocean views.
Erasmus explained how it all began, in typically understated fashion.
The Rassie Erasmus Christmas walk 🇿🇦🎄 #SSRugby pic.twitter.com/IN6Kqn49nT
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) December 25, 2025
“Merry Christmas to you guys as well. We just started last year, I think it was the night before Christmas and a few friends said let’s go for a walk, and a few guys in the neighborhood (joined us),” he said.
“We sent messages on What’s App and told people whose maybe lonely or family that wants to join and this year, I think it doubled (in size) or something like that.”
There were no rules, no whistles and certainly no team meetings which is a rare concept in elite sport.
“So, no rules we just get together, walk three kilometres out, three kilometres back, sign a few things, give a photo or so and everybody goes and do their thing,” said Erasmus, casually reinventing fan engagement one step at a time.
Beneath the sea breeze, the walk carried a sincere message.
“It means everything. If they weren’t there, we would be playing in front of nobody and for nobody,” Erasmus said.
“I live here in Blouberg and I know most of the people here. I know a lot (of them) are not from Blouberg, who drove here.
“But it’s just a small little thank you to them and (a chance) to mingle with them on the ground. We sometimes don’t get a chance to do that so it’s wonderful.”
After another dominant year in which the Springboks marched through the international season like a well-drilled pack, Erasmus’ Christmas walk served as a reminder that even champions need to slow down occasionally.
The maverick Bok mentor masterminded a moving reminder that leadership is sometimes about slowing the pace and walking alongside the people who matter most.
No trophies, no rankings, just shared footsteps, shared smiles and a coach proving that sometimes the shortest distance between success and gratitude is a simple walk along the beach.
