SA Rugby, along with its director of rugby Rassie Erasmus, are preparing for an upcoming legal battle with World Rugby which, in a worst-case scenario, could result in the Springboks being stripped of their recent 2-1 series victory against the British & Irish Lions.
SA Rugby and Rassie Erasmus have now received the list of charged being brought against them by World Rugby which they will face at a misconduct hearing in either late August or early September.
This follows after Erasmus posted a 62-minute video rant in which he criticized match officials during the British & Irish Lions series, particularly the first Test which was refereed by Australian Nic Berry.
In the video Erasmus highlighted what he felt were a series of officiating errors in the opening test and instances where he felt that Berry showed a lack of respect towards Springbok skipper, Siya Kolisi in comparison to his counterpart, Alun Wyn Jones.
It is believed that the four home nations – England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – as well as Australia have exerted pressure on World Rugby to make an example of Rassie Erasmus with a lengthy suspension.
The punishment could also include null-and-voiding the result of the second test where South African won and overturning the result so the British & Irish Lions claim the win. SA Rugby is also reportedly at risk of being punished financially with World Rugby Considering withholding monetary support for a period of time.
SA Rugby and Rassie Erasmus have decided to use separate legal representation in their respective defenses.
Sources: MSN
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