Rassie Erasmus has spoken out for the first time since receiving a ban from World Rugby last November.
During the Lions Series test against South Africa last summer, a video was leaked online of Rassie Erasmus critising referee Nic Berry following South Africa’s 22-17 point loss in the first test. Subsequently Erasmus was banned by World Rugby for two months from all rugby activities and banned until September of this year from match day activities.
Rassie played 36 times for South Africa between 1997 and 2001. Erasmus scored 7 tries for the Springboks during that time. Erasmus started his coaching career with the Free State Cheetahs in South Africa but he later on had high profile jobs with the likes of Munster before taking over at South Africa.
Speaking out about the video that surfaced online, Erasmus said “People think I leaked that video but I didn’t”. Rassie completely denies leaking the video online. “Who leaks something like that? Why would I screw up my whole career to do that?". He continued “"I decided the only way to get clarity on the decisions was to send this voiceover video that the whole rugby world has now seen. I often send videos after the match. It is not unusual for me. I did it at the 2019 World Cup and it was all fine”.
When discussing officiating, he said “we worked out that a referee needs to make between 800 and 850 decisions in one match. It’s impossible, man. It leaves the referee open to criticism, I would know! And that’s not fair!”.
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