Dr Rassie Erasmus to receive an honorary doctorate from SA university
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is said to be in line to receive an honorary doctorate from the North-West University (NWU).
Rassie Erasmus has become one of the most loved South African sports figureheads, having led the Springboks to back-to-back World Cup titles as coach and director of rugby, while he also oversaw a victorious British & Irish Lions series triumph in 2021.
Erasmus is now back as head coach of the Springboks in a new contract that will see him lead the team to the Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027.
According to highly respected rugby writer Hendrik Cronje, Erasmus is now set to have a new accolade added to his CV, with the North-West University (NWU) set to award him an honorary doctorate.
SPRINGBOK BOSS: DR RASSIE ERASMUS
KEY CONTINUED ROLE
Erasmus recently said he was thankful for the trust placed in him by SA Rugby’s leadership to steer the national team once again.
“It is a massive honour to coach the Springboks, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me,” said Erasmus. “The main difference between the last four years and this season is that I will be more hands-on at the field sessions.
“In my role as Director of Rugby in the last four years I continued to oversee the team structures and strategy in conjunction with Jacques and the other coaches, so it should be an easy transition back into the head coach role.
“One of our key pillars in the last few years was building player depth and we are excited about the talent available to us this season,” said Erasmus. “Most of the 2023 World Cup-winning players are still available for selection, and several young players now have the luxury of international and World Cup experience, which is invaluable at Test level.
“We have a challenging Test season ahead with a Test Series against Ireland on Saturday 6 and 13 July in Pretoria and Durban, and we face Portugal for the first time ever a week later in Bloemfontein in the Incoming Series.
“We then have an exciting Rugby Championship campaign, which features two home tests against New Zealand on Saturday 31 August and 7 September in Johannesburg and Cape Town, before facing Argentina in Nelspruit on Saturday, 28 September.”