Rassie finally gets his hearing date

NEWS: South Africa’s Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus will finally face a World Rugby disciplinary hearing.

The global body on Thursday announced his misconduct hearing will be held at the end of the month.

“Judicial panel Chairman Christopher Quinlan confirmed that the Rassie Erasmus and SA Rugby misconduct hearing will take place over the weekend of October 30 and 31,” a World Rugby statement said.

Quinlan will chair the panel alongside Nigel Hampton (New Zealand) and Mike Mika (New Zealand).

“Following the provision of detailed written submissions and evidence from Erasmus, SA Rugby and World Rugby, a request was received from SA Rugby and Erasmus for an oral hearing, which has been granted,” the statement added.

“The hearing date, set in consultation with the parties, is the earliest possible date taking into account previous commitments of all parties, participants and the multiple time zones involved.”

The disciplinary committee will publish a full written decision following the completion of the entire proceedings.

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Erasmus was charged after an hour-long video was released during the Springboks’ two-one series victory over the British and Irish Lions in July.

An indignant Erasmus produced the video after his team lost 17-22 to the British and Irish Lions in the first Test in Cape Town on July 24.

It has also been revealed that a ‘forensic investigation’ is underway to determine who leaked the Rassie video – a 62-minute monologue in which Erasmus revealed his displeasure in the performance of Australian referee Nic Berry and his disrespectful behaviour towards Springbok skipper Siyamthanda Kolisi.

The video was directed at World Rugby’s High-Performance Match Officials Manager Joël Jutge and was forwarded through the appropriate channels.

However, it was leaked onto social media and spread around the world like wildfire.

If the charge is upheld then Erasmus faces a ban and/or fine, while SA Rugby could be fined.

@rugby365com