Rassie Erasmus Hospitalized After Freak Accident

SA Rugby‘s Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, is currently in the hospital after a bizarre incident that left him with chemical burns. The 51-year-old, who successfully led the Springboks to victory in the 2019 Rugby World Cup as head coach and repeated the triumph as director in 2023, suffered the injury from what SA Rugby describes as a ‘freak accident.’ The incident occurred when Erasmus was using a powerful detergent product.

Erasmus underwent a medical procedure to treat the chemical burns and is expected to make a full recovery within weeks, according to a statement released by South Africa Rugby. Despite the unfortunate mishap, Erasmus is otherwise in good health.

This incident comes as Erasmus is preparing to take on the role of head coach once again in 2024, following the departure of Jacques Nienaber to Leinster. Erasmus previously served as the Springboks’ head coach leading up to and during the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

The Springboks’ upcoming schedule includes two Test matches against Ireland, set to take place at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria and Kings Park in Durban. Afterward, they will face off against Portugal for the first time, hosting Os Lobos in Bloemfontein.

Rassie Erasmus, a former South African back-rower, had an illustrious playing career, earning 36 Test caps and scoring seven tries. He represented the Cheetahs, Cats, and Stormers before retiring and transitioning into coaching. He started his coaching journey with the Cheetahs and went on to work with the Stormers, South Africa, and Munster.

Erasmus stepped into the role of head coach for the Springboks in 2018, replacing Allister Coetzee. His tenure was marked by success, culminating in a historic Rugby World Cup win in Japan. As he embarks on his second stint as head coach, Erasmus will be looking to guide the Springboks to further triumphs.