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Erasmus could face ban as World Rugby finally act on his bizarre video

World Rugby have finally made moves to punish Rassie Erasmus over his bizarre media outbursts during...


Erasmus could face ban as Worl...

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Erasmus could face ban as World Rugby finally act on his bizarre video


World Rugby have finally made moves to punish Rassie Erasmus over his bizarre media outbursts during the summer's Lions test series. 

South Africa's director of rugby - and his union - have been charged with misconduct.

Erasmus released an hour-long video after July's first test with the Lions in which he dissected the performance of match referee, Nic Berry.

In the video, Erasmus claimed he could resign if he was found to have brought SA Rugby into disrepute.

"If this means we're going to get a fine, I'll step away from the management team," he said.

"If this means that the Springboks will be in trouble I'll say I did this in isolation, it's me personally that did this and this is not SA rugby and it's not the Springboks because I believe in fairness,"

"I believe in a system and I believe in two teams having equal chance of competing in the match.

"I'm not saying the referee was a cheat at all, I'm saying that we just wanted clarity on a Sunday night which we now got on a Tuesday.

"To be honest I am not very convinced with the clarity that we got from Nic Berry."

In August, World Rugby said Erasmus' comments on the match officials were more "extensive and direct" in nature than those made by his Lions counterpart, Warren Gatland.

On Thursday it was confirmed that both Erasmus and officials representing SA Rugby must face a disciplinary panel across Hallowe'en weekend.

"Following the provision of detailed written submissions and evidence from Mr Erasmus, SA Rugby and World Rugby, a request was received from SA Rugby and Mr Erasmus for an oral hearing, which has been granted,” a statement read

“The hearing date, set in consultation with the parties, is the earliest possible date taking into account previous commitments of all parties, participants and the multiple time zones involved.

“The independent disciplinary committee will publish a full written decision following the completion of the entire proceedings.”

Among the punishments that Erasmus could face are a fine, a suspension for a number of matches up to the cancellation or replaying of matches.

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British & Irish Lions Lions Lions Tour Rassie Erasmus South Africa Springboks The Lions World Rugby

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