Rassie Erasmus' weekend gets worse with season ending injury for Springbok

After receiving treamtent after burning his hands in a ‘freak accident’ in South Africa, Rassie Erasmus’ weekend has got even worse.

The South Africa director of rugby Rassie is recovering in hospital after undergoing a medical procedure for chemical burns. The 51-year-old, who led the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2019 as head coach, sustained the injury in a “freak accident using a powerful detergent product”.

Erasmus is expected to be able to return to work fully “within weeks”.

A statement from South Africa Rugby said: “Rassie Erasmus, SA Rugby’s director of rugby, is recovering in hospital following a medical procedure for chemical burns sustained in a freak accident using a powerful detergent product.

“He is otherwise in good health and expects to return to full-time working within weeks.”

While thankfully Erasmus is recovering, he when he is back to work he will have to deal with loss of Kwagga Smith. Smith will will miss the rest of the Japan Rugby League One season it has been confirmed.

The Shizuoka Blue Revs skipper has been ruled out for the rest of the competition after sustaining an adductor tendon injury. The loss of Smith didn’t slow down the Blue Revs however, who enjoyed a 50-12 victory over the Hanazono Kintetsu Liners this weekened.

The injury comes off the back of less serious injuries to Faf de Klerk and Jessie Kriel, both of whom are also playing their rugby in Japan. Thier side, Yokohama Canon Eagles, lost to 31-27 to a Bryn Gatland-inspired Kobelco Kobe Steelers.

additional reporting PA