Hilarious bulldog video diary is keeping the banned Erasmus busy

Rassie Erasmus, the currently banned Springboks World Cup-winning coach, has been amusing social media during his compulsory two-month break from rugby by posting a series of videos on Frank, his overweight British bulldog. It was November 17 when the director of SA Rugby was suspended with immediate effect following a disciplinary hearing outcome. 

The ban from all rugby activity for two months with immediate effect came after he was charged with misconduct during the Test series versus the British and Irish Lions. He was also banned from any involvement on a matchday until September 30 next year, while SA Rugby must pay a fine of £20,000. 

Both Erasmus and SA Rugby were also to apologise for their actions, something they did the following week after they pulled the plug on their original intention to appeal the verdict. With no rugby to keep him busy until mid-January, the Springboks director has been lively on social media with a series of posts about his dog. 

It started on December 5 with a clip where Springboks rugby boss Erasmus wrote: "Frank just won’t accept he is an English bulldog" and he soon added further footage showing "Frank's athletic ability". Four days later, Erasmus wrote: "Think we getting somewhere. Apparently Frank can qualify through the five-year residency rule. I am not 100 per cent sure if he is so keen on waiting out the two years."

Subsequent videos showed Frank sitting on a treadmill, allegedly understanding different languages and cultures, struggling to climb onto a bed, being stuck in the back door dog flap, and wearing a water bib just like Erasmus did during some Springboks matches in 2021.  

On a more serious note, Erasmus tweeted on Wednesday about he was coping with his enforced break from rugby. "Day 29 of the 60 days! Starting to feel really positive that and this was a very good decision!" He had also tweeted last week about how rugby was allegedly missing Agustin Pichot, who stepped away from the sport last year following his failed bid to defeat Bill Beaumont in the election to become World Rugby chairman. 

"Sorry if I bore you with my thoughts (just unfollow or maybe mute or something me)," wrote Erasmus. "Anyway, I have some 'free' time and was thinking how I personally miss Gus Pichot. This man never thought he owned rugby. His actions always tell you he owed rugby and is trying to give back."