BOMBSHELL: World Rugby bans Rassie Erasmus … again
World Rugby has issued Rassie Erasmus with a ban on all match-day activities for two matches as a result of recent social media posts.
France claimed a 30-26 win over the Springboks on Saturday night, with some contentious decisions from referee Wayne Barnes particularly coming under the spotlight during the latter stages of the game. However, many of the headlines and reactions since Saturday’s match have also centred around the response from Rassie Erasmus, who has made a series of social media posts in the wake of the defeat.
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In reaction to the widespread backlash from these posts, Erasmus appeared at a press conference on Tuesday, where he sought to set the record straight by explaining that he was simply looking to keep the broader South African rugby public well informed.
World Rugby have been notably silent on the matter, but on Thursday the organisation issued a statement to confirm the following:
World Rugby has reviewed the recent social media posts by SA Rugby Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus that relate to match officiating in the Autumn Nations Series.
Match officials are the backbone of the sport and without them there is no game. 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.
In addition, under the Match Officials Communication Framework, national teams have the ability to enter into a confidential feedback process, which is critical for success in a high-performance environment. The success of these communications relies on direct and honest feedback which is delivered and received in a confidential way.
In line with the Framework, World Rugby has the ability to impose a sanction where a breach has occurred. Having considered the matter World Rugby has issued a two-match ban against Rassie Erasmus and accordingly he may not take part in any match day activity in relation to the two upcoming test matches that South Africa has against Italy on 19 November, 2022 and England on 26 November, 2022. The ban includes engagement with media and social media in relation to match officials.
Earlier on Thursday, in an interview published on RugbyRama, there were some notable comments made by Joël Jutge, who is head of the organisation’s match officials.
“We are very disappointed that he is using social networks to voice his reservations about the refereeing of this or that match. It’s counterproductive and totally inappropriate. But if he does, it’s because his federation authorises him to do so… It’s unfortunate…
“I don’t understand Rassie Erasmus’ attitude. What will be done to make him stop? I don’t know… It’s not part of my skills…”
Jutge added that the attitude of Erasmus was a concern to World Rugby, but he didn’t provide any clarity over whether another sanction could be possible.
“His attitude is a concern for World Rugby and Rassie Erasmus’ peers do not share his way of doing things. It is contrary to our values, even if this word is sometimes overused. Erasmus does not serve his cause and it is surprising to see him continue in this way.
“All referees are affected by these attacks on referees in general and Wayne Barnes last weekend. Because by doing so, Rassie Erasmus opens the door to violent behaviour and behind it, entire families are insulted and affected. It is extremely dangerous. But some people think that if the South African coach talks about a referee like that, they have the right to do it too…”
Below, you can watch what Rassie had to say earlier this week, and make up your own minds.
