World Rugby wanted to suspend Rassie Erasmus for 24 Springbok Tests so he would also miss the 2023 World Cup in France.
However, according to Rapport newspaper‘s sources, Erasmus’ legal representative Frikkie Erasmus and SA Rugby made representations in the disciplinary hearing that meant the director of rugby’s punishment for making his 62-minute video “only” lasts until September 2022 and covers 10 Bok Tests.
The video highlighted mistakes made by Australian referee Nic Berry during the first Test between the Boks and the British & Irish Lions.
Erasmus has been suspended from all rugby for two months and may not participate in any activities on match days until 30 September next year.
Berry accused Erasmus of “character assassination”. He told the disciplinary committee that “I have spent many years trying to build my reputation as an international referee and in the course of his video which was posted online, Mr Erasmus has caused it immeasurable damage.”
Rapport has established that the “traumatised” Berry has earned about R480,000 as a referee and assistant referee from Rugby Australia since the release of the video – about R120,000 per month.
