South Africa's outspoken director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has dismissed claims that his tweets, some in isiXhosa, posed threats and abuse to French referee Wayne Barnes and his family.
Reacting to the tweets, World Rugby took a dim view of Erasmus' criticism and banned him again.
He has been banned from this weekend's Test against Italy in Genoa and next week's match against England at Twickenham. “World Rugby has reviewed the recent social media posts by SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus that relate to match officiating in the autumn nations series,” the organisation said.
“World Rugby condemns public criticism of match official selection, performance or integrity, which undermines their role, the trust-based coach/match officials feedback process and the values of integrity, respect, solidarity and discipline that are at the heart of the sport.”He was banned from all rugby activity for two months in November 2021 and was not allowed to be involved in the team on a match day until September 30 2022 after being found guilty of six misconduct charges.
World Rugby found him guilty after he put together a 62-minute video that hit out at Australian referee Nic Berry and TMO Marius Jonker’s officiating during the Springboks’ first Test loss to the British & Irish Lions.
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