“World Rugby has reviewed recent social media posts by SA Rugby’s Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, which relate to match officiating in the Autumn Nations Series.
Match officials are the backbone of the sport, and without them, there is no game. World Rugby condemns any public criticism of the selection, performance or integrity of match officials, which undermines their role, the trust-based feedback process between the coach and match officials and the values of integrity, respect, solidarity and discipline that are at the heart of sport.
The behavior of coaching staff and match officials is widely observed by fans, the media, and participants at all levels, and such behavior affects how values are applied throughout the game.
Additionally, under the Match Officials Communication Framework, national teams have the ability to engage in a confidential feedback process, which is critical to success in a high-performance environment. The success of these communications is based on direct and honest feedback, which is given and received in confidence.
In accordance with the Framework, World Rugby has the ability to impose a penalty when an offense occurs. Having considered the matter, World Rugby has issued a two-match ban against Rassie Erasmus and as a result, she will not be able to take part in any match day activities in connection with South Africa’s next two test matches against Italy on 19 November. of 2022 and England. on November 26, 2022. The ban includes engagement with the media and social media in relation to match officials.”
