SA Rugby won't appeal Rassie Erasmus suspension

SA Rugby are highly unlikely to appeal Springboks director Rassie Erasmus two-match ban that was handed down by World Rugby on Thursday.

World Rugby has issued the sanction that prevents Erasmus from taking part in today’s clash with Italy and the climax to the Springboks’ European tour against England a week later.

The ban includes engagement with media and social media in relation to match officials and comes a year after he was forced to miss South Africa’s defeat at Twickenham for similar reasons.

World Rugby acted after Erasmus published a series of sarcastic tweets during the Autumn Nations Series, airing his grievances over officiating on social media rather than through the established channels.

RugbyPass understands that SA Rugby will not be appealing the ban. Erasmus was banned from all rugby activity for two months for his behaviour towards officials during the Lions’ tour to South Africa in 2021 and was also suspended from matchday involvement until October this year. The latest ban comes nearly exactly a year since SA Rugby withdraw an appeal of that suspension.

“Match officials are the backbone of the sport and without them there is no game,” a World Rugby statement read.

“World Rugby condemns any public criticism of match official selection, performance or integrity, which undermines their role, the trust-based coach/match officials feedback process and the values of integrity, respect, solidarity and discipline that are at the heart of the sport.

“The behaviour of coaching staff and match officials are widely observed by fans, media and participants at every level, and such behaviours affect how the values are applied across the game.

“Having considered the matter World Rugby has issued a two-match ban against Rassie Erasmus.”

The Springboks boss’ recent tweets, in which he highlights French transgressions while stating they are lessons for his team, have been condemned by former referee Nigel Owens.

additional reporting PA