Dr Rassie Erasmus holds somewhat legendary status in South Africa thanks to his tremendous work with the Springboks, bringing them two consecutive World Cups, beating rivals England and New Zealand in the respective finals.
His post-playing career has led him around the world in coaching and director of rugby capacities, inspiring hundreds of thousands of fans along the way. It’s been his dominance in charge of the Springboks that’s truly brought the man to centre stage, however, expanding his name well beyond the realms of ‘rugby fame’.
Part of what makes the larger-than-life coach such a well-revered member of South African society is his ability to hold a room with every word that booms out of his mouth. Often applauded for speaking his mind to the press after an important result, or taking to X (formerly Twitter) to kick off a conversation on the most important of Springbok matters, there’s no doubt that when the man talks…others listen.
Rassie in great form here. Cracking the jokes!
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“Jacques rings me every night and tells me everything.” pic.twitter.com/ptFnRiA9wb
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) July 2, 2024
Prepping for the most highly anticipated Springbok match since last year’s World Cup final, Rassie found himself in the most jovial of moods during today’s press conference, choosing to make some pretty spot-on jokes about some of his own players.
Sitting next to Hollywoodbets Sharks player Eben Etzebeth, the head coach couldn’t help but make a joke out of their poor season, saying: “We said take up your positions, all the Sharks players went and stood behind the poles.”
The joke, which was made and received lightheartedly, was in reference to the Shark’s 14th place finish in the URC this season, having only won 4 games out of the 18 available.
— Jack Tunney (@JackTunneyRugby) July 2, 2024
Despite the poor league form of the Sharks, they did find impressive success in the Challenge Cup, beating Gloucester Rugby comprehensively in the final.
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