By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has been admitted to hospital after a freak accident left him with chemical burns, but he is expected to be back at work next month.
Erasmus (51) is recovering in hospital following a medical procedure for chemical burns sustained in a freak accident using a powerful detergent product,” South African Rugby said in a statement.
“He is otherwise in good health and expects to return to full-time working within weeks.”
Erasmus has taken over the head coach role alongside his directorship again in the next cycle to the 2027 World Cup in Australia, after Jacques Nienaber vacated the position when he left for Irish club Leinster following last year’s triumph in France. Erasmus was previously coach and director of rugby when the Boks won the tournament in Japan in 2019.
The Springboks are not due to return to action until July when they host Ireland for a two-match series in Pretoria and then Durban.
Following that, South Africa will face off against Portugal for the first time, hosting Os Lobos in Bloemfontein.
During Erasmus’ playing days, he earned 36 Test caps for the Springboks, scoring seven tries.
He also represented the Cheetahs, Cats, and Stormers before announcing his retirement and immediately moving into coaching.
He began his coaching career at the Cheetahs in the early 2000s before holding roles with the Stormers, South Africa, and Munster.