At least FIVE nations want World Rugby to come down HARD on Rassie Erasmus!

SA Rugby, along with its director of rugby Rassie Erasmus, are preparing for an upcoming legal battle with World Rugby that in a worst-case scenario could see the Springboks stripped of their recent 2-1 series victory against the British & Irish Lions!

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SA Rugby and Erasmus have now received the list of charges brought against them by rugby’s governing body which they will face at a misconduct hearing in either late August or early September.

This follows after Erasmus produced a 62-minute video which stunned the rugby world.

In the video Erasmus criticised match officials during the British & Irish Lions series, particularly the first Test refereed by Australia’s Nic Berry.

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During the video Erasmus highlighted what he felt were a series of officiating errors in the opening Test won 22-17 by the British & Irish Lions.

Rassie Erasmus also included instances where he felt Berry showed Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi a lack of respect compared to his British & Irish Lions counterpart Alun Wyn Jones.

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It is believed that the four home nations – England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – as well as Australia have exerted pressure on World Rugby to make an example of Erasmus with a lengthy suspension.

According to South African Afrikaans publication Rapport, the punishment could even include null-and-voiding the result of the second Test (a 27-9 win for the Springboks) which would then strip South Africa of their series win.

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In addition, according to World Rugby regulations, the result of the second Test could even be completely overturned in favour of the British & Irish Lions, giving them a 2-1 series victory.

SA Rugby is also reportedly at risk of being punished financially with World Rugby contemplating withholding monetary support for a period of time.

SA Rugby and Erasmus have decided to use separate legal representation in their respective defences.

Erasmus will be represented by friend and legal aide Frikkie Erasmus, who confirmed to Rapport that the charges brought against his client are “broad” and “comprehensive”.

Watch this space!

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