Rassie video saga has been 'tough for all parties'

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok legend Bryan Habana says he is looking forward to the whole Rassie Erasmus video saga being over this weekend.

Erasmus and SA Rugby will front up to a World Rugby hearing on October 30 and 31– as a result of his now-infamous hour-long video criticising match officials during the B&I Lions series.

The Director of Rugby pointed out mistakes made by Australian referee Nic Berry and his officiating team in the Springboks’ 17-22 defeat in the first Test in late July.

It’s been a long time since the beginning of August when World Rugby first announced that Erasmus would be facing a hearing over the video and Habana said some closure is needed.

“It’s been a really tough one for all parties concerned,” said Habana at the launch of the end-of-year international series.

“There are various discrepancies on what has been said and what hasn’t been said and how things got out there.

“The rugby-loving community – the supporters of the game – would have all loved this to be concluded much earlier, but I do think there are quite a few intricacies that none of us really understand in terms of the regulations and in terms of where it got to.

“I think we all just want closure on everything and getting ready to understand what World Rugby’s stance is on it.”

Story continues below…

#ICYMI: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has clarified Rassie Erasmus’ role on their end-of-year tour. #SouthAfrica #Springboks https://t.co/sO7s7FUwV4

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) October 26, 2021

Habana said the whole saga could do more damage to the game if there is no outcome this weekend.

“Rassie has pleaded not guilty in terms of what he has been charged with and he asked for a public hearing which was also bee denied, so everyone just wants finality and closure on the situation,” Habana added.

“I think the longer it goes on and the more it simmers, the more it could potentially tarnish the game on all sides.

“As soon as we all get clarity and decisions are made and accountability and responsibility taken the quicker we can all move forward and focus on the future of the game.”

@rugby365com