Cape Town – Rassie Erasmus could start his new job with SA Rugby earlier than expected.

According to a report on Netwerk24, Erasmus is set to start in his position as SA Rugby’s director of rugby on November 1, two months before initially scheduled.

Erasmus’ appointment was confirmed in June, but there was speculation that he may have to serve out his contract at Irish club Munster, which ends on December 31.

Springbok assistant coach Johann van Graan was earlier this week confirmed as Munster’s new coach, with the Irish club saying on their official website that Van Graan would work alongside Erasmus to “ensure a seamless transition”.

However, it appears that may no longer be the case.

According to the report on the Afrikaans website, the contract between Munster and Erasmus will be terminated October 31.

“Rassie will start working at SA Rugby on 1 November,” his lawyer, Frikkie Erasmus said.

Defence guru Jacques Nienaber, who joined Erasmus at Munster in 2016, will also return to work for SA Rugby.