1
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
Video Player is loading.
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.
BREAKING: The authorities have clamped down heavily on Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus following his Lions tour outburst #Springboks
https://t.co/TToLYAy83W— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 17, 2021
“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.”
ADVERTISEMENT
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
Every ref's match should be analyzed by WR the same way Rassie did the Lions and Boks game and refs should be removed from international games when it becomes clear and obvious they were not impartial. Is impartiality not a key requirement ?
Clearly not when it comes to WR handing out sanctions. A Kiwi coaching Australia vs a Saffa. They'll never stop "showing these Saffas" will they.
Anybody feel there might be a lack of sincerity in the apology?
Agreed. But when has WR ever come down on an Aussie coach? Mouthy Michael Chieka, anyone? I think it’s the right move, but WR will only pick on (financial) minnows. Now that Aus have been more or less handed the 2027 WC, WR will do nothing. At least that’s my hypothesis. Happy to be proven wrong.
What they have done is sealed Dave Tennis’s fate. While Rassie’s sanction was in the abeyance WR could do their usual thing and prevaricate. What they have now done is said the Renoir thing is now clean and in your court. What are you going to do about it. And then. Wha to do about everyone else who criticises refs. Past present and future. Going to be interesting but Rennie is toast.
“Dramatic” indeed /s