Rassie Erasmus has come to the end of the World Rugby ban from all rugby activity after his infamous 62-minute video in which he criticised the governing body’s match officials – in particular Australian referee Nic Berry – after the first British & Irish Lions series Test in July 2src21.
READ | RASSIE TAKES TO TWITTER AGAIN… THIS TIME IN VERNACULAR
Erasmus was able to resume most Springbok job-related activities from mid-January, but will only be able to be involved on match-days from October onwards.
The widely-circulated video led to one of the biggest controversies the game has seen, while in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Erasmus reveals what a toll it took on him and his family.
“I want people to know that I’m not this monster that I’ve been portrayed as,” he said in an interview with highly-regarded England-based writer Nik Simon.
“Did you know my sister lives in Reading? She’s a social worker for the NHS. Fully invested in the English life. She loves the Royal Family, sings God Save the Queen and would stand outside clapping for the old guy, Sir Tom, who walked up and down his garden 1srcsrc times during the lockdown.
“After what happened during the Lions tour, it felt like her family in the UK were the only people outside of South Africa who didn’t hate me. How do you think that makes you feel? It feels awful, man….
“Listen, I have never been a suit-and-tie guy who claims to be a saint. I have never said I will be a life coach. I have never had slogans like ‘better people make better rugby players’. I have never said I’m the world’s greatest father. Yeah, I’ve always been a bit naughty and enjoyed a giggle but I’ve always been an honest guy.
“People think I leaked that video. I didn’t. Who leaks something like that? Why would I screw up my whole career to do that? I’ve got twin girls, 18 years old, who are at school and they hear other parents telling them how their dad had f***** it all up.
“My mum is at an old-age home and they’re showing her articles saying, ‘Rassie’s lost it, he’s got depression, he’s drunk’. They think those t
…. to be continued
Read full article at the Original Source
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : The South African – https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sport/rugby/south-africa-director-of-rugby-rassie-erasmus-reveals-all-not-the-monster-who-ruined-rugby-exclusive-officiating-video-controversy-against-british-and-irish-lions-breaking-rugby-news/
