South African director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has received a two-match ban from World Rugby following his recent controversial social media posts.
This means that he will be suspended from the Springboks‘ final Autumn Nations Series Tests against Italy and England.
Second suspension
Erasmus has just completed a one-year ban after criticizing match officials in an hour-long video during the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa.
In his last messages, in which he posted videos on social networks, he seems to criticize the referee wayne barnes‘ officiating in the Springboks’ 30-26 loss to France in Marseille last weekend. This follows a similar social media post in which he apparently questioned Ireland’s second try in the Boks’ 19-16 defeat in Dublin a fortnight ago.
The 50-year-old later claimed his latest tweets weren’t aimed at the referees, but World Rugby disagreed and slammed him for his latest indiscretion.
World Rugby issued a statement on Thursday which read: “World Rugby has reviewed recent social media posts from SA Rugby Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, which relate to the refereeing of matches in the Autumn Nations Series.
“Match officials are the backbone of the sport and without them there is no match. World Rugby condemns any public criticism of the selection, performance or integrity of match officials which undermines their role, the feedback process based on the trust of coaches/match officials and the values of integrity, respect, solidarity and discipline which are at the heart of sport.
“The behavior of coaching staff and match officials is widely observed by fans, media and participants at all levels, and these behaviors affect how values are applied through the game.
“Furthermore, as part of the Match Officials Communications Framework, National Teams have the opportunity to enter into a confidential feedback process, which is essential for success in a high performance environment. The success of these communications is based on direct and honest feedback that is given and received confidentially.
“In accordance with the Framework, World Rugby has the ability to impose a sanction in the event of a breach.
No involvement in match day activity
“After considering the matter, World Rugby has issued a two-match ban on Rassie Erasmus and therefore he cannot take part in any matchday activities in relation to the next two Test matches that South Africa have against Italy on November 19, 2022 and England on November 26, 2022.
“The ban includes engaging with media and social media in relation to match officials.”
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