Springbok rugby fans living in London have been called upon to wear cut-out masks of Rassie Erasmus’ face to the match against England this weekend, to show their support after World Rugby this week found Erasmus guilty on all 6 of the charges laid against him, with the SA Rugby Director of Rugby getting a two month ban from all rugby related activity.
It means the Springboks’ favorite “water boy” will not be seen along the sidelines in Twickenham this Saturday as he is not allowed to take part in any “match-day activities” – including coaching, contact with match officials, and media engagement. The ban is in effect until 30 September, 2022, while SA Rugby received a R 417 000 fine.
The charges relate to the contentious 1 hour long video Erasmus made in which he outlined refereeing inconsistencies during the Lions Tour here in South Africa earlier this year.
Australian Referee, Nic Berry said that he and his family endured an extremely difficult time after the release of the video, and that he feels that Rassie engaged in a character assassination on social media.
South African fans on social media are fully behind Rassie however.
Can’t agree with these sentiments: @RassieRugby is responsible for having turned @Springboks into world champions at the same time as developing a squad truly representative of SA. That’s his legacy and far outweighs this. Rassie’s Boks are arguably rugby’s greatest achievement. https://t.co/YMtp4EGmsW
— Martin Gillingham (@MartGillingham) November 17, 2021
Erasmus also responded to the hilarious meme doing the rounds playfully suggesting he might make a sneak appearance at Twickenham on Saturday.
The reference seemingly relates to a video that emerged last weekend showing Erasmus pointing out a Scotland player’s weakness to Willie le Roux that could be exploited by the Boks.
Rassie – I believe you may be mad as bat*&(^& – and I LOVE IT! Keep being YOU. Keep standing up for SA Rugby, we appreciate you. You are NOT ALONE.
— Botha Ellis (@Botha_Ellis) November 19, 2021
For all the Saffas that will be at the #ENGvRSA game at Twickenham tomorrow. Remember your mask! #rassieerasmus #justiceforrassie https://t.co/JBwRPQhIRe
— QAnton (@antonnies) November 19, 2021
Thousands of Bok fans are set to wear @RassieRugby masks this weekend against England.
Print yours out on A4. pic.twitter.com/DgUOIwbpvS
— Saffas Abroad Rugby (@SaffasRugby) November 18, 2021
@RassieRugby ?? pic.twitter.com/fZpa7Rtomd
— Gemaskerde Sopbeen (@sypie1) November 19, 2021
Only in 🇿🇦 😉 pic.twitter.com/nuirp4HVr2
— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) November 18, 2021
Both SA Rugby and Rassie Erasmus have confirmed they will exercise their rights to appeal the verdicts by World Rugby:
➡️ Joint statement from SA Rugby and Rassie Erasmus: https://t.co/rmnVnVGwCH
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 17, 2021
