The veteran prop has had his fair share of coaches over the years, playing at the Bulls, Stormers, Saracens and Stade Francais to name a few of the high-profile clubs he featured for.

But upon Erasmus taking up the head coach role at the Springboks in 2018, something special began to grow in the Bok camp¦ and six years later, he is a back-to-back World Champion.

"By far the best coach that I have ever worked with, and I think in our generation there will never be another coach like that," he said of the World Cup-winning Erasmus, as per the official URC website.

"The way he thinks, the way he treats the people - it's just unbelievable.

"The way he creates an environment for people to stick around and get along with each other is something that stands out the most.

"And his knowledge of rugby is just unbelievable."

All careers have to start somewhere and Koch cut his teeth at the Pumas, a team that often punched above their weight locally. The Empangeni native also heaped praise on long-time Pumas boss Jimmy Stonehouse for his early career development.

"He was a guy who taught me what hard work was, what it takes to fight and that nothing in life is just gonna be given to you," added Koch.

"You have to work your way up there."

READ MORE: Ngcobo admits Blitzboks performances not good enough after LA showing

KAYLA SWARTS

Kayla Swarts reacts to Olympic debut alongside brother Wayde van Niekerk

Editors Pick