SA Rugby accept ban

In a dramatic about-turn, SA Rugby has withdrawn its appeal against sanctions handed down by World Rugby last week.

World Rugby banned SA Rugby’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus from the sport for two months and from team activities including coaching, contact with match officials and engagements with media until the end of September 2022.

The ban came as a result of Erasmus’ hour-long video after the first Test against the British & Irish Lions in which he at length criticised the match officials’ decisions.

The video went viral. SA Rugby were handed a £20,000 (about R400,000) fine for failing to ensure Erasmus complied with World Rugby’s code of conduct.

“SA Rugby and Rassie Erasmus wish to apologise to the match officials appointed to the first Test of the Springboks’ Series against the British & Irish Lions.

“We also confirm that SA Rugby and Erasmus have advised World Rugby that they withdraw their notice of appeal and will not lodge an appeal against the sanctions imposed by the judicial committee,” SA Rugby said.