Rassie Erasmus banned from rugby for two months after British and Irish Lions series video
South Africa’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has been banned from all rugby activity for two months after being found guilty of misconduct.
World Rugby charged Erasmus for his behaviour towards match officials during the British and Irish Lions series this summer.
Six charges have now been upheld.
“An independent misconduct committee has found that behaviour displayed by SA Rugby Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus towards match officials during this year’s test series between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions constituted misconduct,” a statement from World Rugby said.
A video of the 2019 World Cup winning head coach sent to the global governing body was leaked in July.
It showed Erasmus, over the course of 62 minutes, highlighting what he perceived as refereeing inconsistencies during the Springboks’ first Test defeat.
Erasmus has also been suspended from from all match-day activities (including coaching, contact with match officials and media ) until September 30, 2022.
SA Rugby also faced two charges, including a failure to prevent subsequent comments from captain Siya Kolisi and coach Mzwandile Stick at a press conference that were deemed to “adversely” effect the game.
The body have confirmed in a statement that they and Erasmus will appeal the decisions.
The six charges upheld against the former Munster coach included that Erasmus “attacked, disparaged and/or denigrated” the sport.
Erasmus has also been given a warning about his future conduct and asked to apologise to the match officials.
SA Rugby, meanwhile, must also apologise and have been fined £20,000.
South Africa face England at Twickenham on Saturday afternoon, and Erasmus will be banned during the appeals process, meaning South Africa will be without their director of rugby for a first meeting with Eddie Jones’ side since the 2019 final.
The Springboks have been coached by Jacques Nienaber, formerly the side’s defence guru, since Erasmus’ elevation after the World Cup triumph.
They came from behind to beat the Lions, coached by Warren Gatland, 2-1 during a summer series played behind-closed-doors.
