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Dramatic U-turn by Erasmus and SA Rugby as they issue an apology
By Liam Heagney
Springboks director Rassie Erasmus and South Africa Rugby have dramatically done a U-turn on their initial intention to appeal last week's judicial hearing verdict, stating they will now NOT appeal the severe punishments handed down to them. It was November 17 when the verdict emerged into the misconduct case dating back to the tension-filled Springboks versus Lions Test series which started in Cape Town on July 24.
The judicial outcome was that Erasmus was banned from all rugby activity for two months with immediate effect, starting with last weekend's Springboks match versus England in London at the end of the Autumn Nations Series.
He was also banned from any involvement on a matchday until September 30 next year, while SA Rugby must also pay a fine of £20,000. Both Erasmus and SA Rugby must also apologise for their actions.
With an hour of that verdict emerging on Wednesday of last week, both Erasmus and SA Rugby signalled that they would exercise their right to appeal. However, they have since had a change of heart and a media release issued on Thursday afternoon declared that the matter was now over and they would not be challenging the verdict.
The statement read: "SA Rugby and Rassie Erasmus wish to apologise to the match officials appointed to the first Test of the Springboks’ series against the British and Irish Lions.
"We also confirm that SA Rugby and Erasmus have advised World Rugby that they withdraw their notice of appeal and will not lodge an appeal against the sanctions imposed by the judicial committee. This has been a highly stressful and charged environment with unusual pressures placed on all concerned and we have no wish to prolong that experience for anyone.
"We have drawn a line under the incident and only wish to look forward. We will respect the outcomes of the hearing, allowing our national teams and rugby operations to plan with clarity for the coming months."
In response, World Rugby commented: "World Rugby welcomes the public apology from SA Rugby and Rassie Erasmus to the match officials involved in the first Test between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions this year and the matter is closed."
- Click here for the full 80-page written judgment from the Erasmus/SA Rugby vs World Rugby judicial hearing
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Latest Comments
So you don’t think 2023 WC to 2027 WC with a few RCs and >80% rate along the way would stack up? Three world cups in a row?
We finished 2023 with 85% and a World Cup. On track for 80% in 2024 plus an RC.
Rassie’s the only guy who has any hope of getting close to that AB record.
What was Henry’s record up until 2011? Everyone knows how great the ABs were between 2007 and 2015. But there was a period of building that got them there that seems to get overlooked.
Rassie and Nienaber took a 7th ranked team to number one. Henry inherited the All Blacks. Much easier job.
Go to commentsWatch volley ball if you want a speed game. Part of the appeal of rugby is set plays. Stopping the clock while the ball is in touch is the only change needed. I am from Victoria, having escaped the trauma of living in Brisbane amongst you nuff nuffs!
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