18 November 2021
South Africa’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has been banned from all
rugby for two months and from involvement with the Boks on matchdays for a
year.
The 49-year-old has been punished for an hour-long video criticizing the
refereeing in July’s first-Test defeat by the British and Irish Lions.
And it described his offences as especially serious and egregious.
Erasmus, who has said he intends to appeal against the punishment, is banned
with immediate effect, meaning he will not be part of the Springbok backroom
staff for his team’s Test against England at Twickenham on Saturday.
Erasmus stepped down from his role as head coach in the wake of the
Springboks’ Rugby World Cup triumph in 2019 to become South Africa’s
director of rugby.
However, he has been conspicuous at many of the Springboks’ games, most
recently Saturday’s win over Scotland, working as a water carrier for the team.
In addition to his bans, Erasmus and the South African Rugby Union are both
required to issue full public apologies to the officials, who were led by Australian
Nic Berry, within a fortnight.
In giving evidence on the case Berry accused Erasmus of character
assassination.
Chidozie Chima | August 16, 2024
