Springboks: Rassie Erasmus reveals the reason for his hospitalisation

Rassie Erasmus Undergoes Shoulder Surgery Following Springboks’ Successful Season

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus, celebrated for leading South Africa to rugby greatness, recently underwent shoulder replacement surgery. The 52-year-old opted for the operation shortly after returning from the Autumn Nations Series campaign in Europe, citing persistent pain from an old rugby injury as the primary reason.


Injury Rooted in Playing Days

Erasmus, a former Springbok loose forward, earned 36 caps between 1997 and 2001, captaining the team once. Known for his defensive intensity, Erasmus frequently dislocated his shoulder during his playing career. This lingering injury has now culminated in the need for surgical intervention.

The coach revealed to Rapport that his inability to participate fully in training sessions had become frustrating.

“I really like to train and run with the players. It’s an old rugby injury,” Erasmus explained.


Post-Surgery Recovery on Track

Erasmus shared a heartfelt message from a Johannesburg hospital via X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude for the unwavering support from fans during the year.

“Even when we tried some things and things weren’t going well, you were always standing behind us. I’m having a shoulder operation here… All OK, I think I will be out of the hospital by the weekend.”

He also encouraged the Springboks to “stay humble” following their recent triumphs, including their success in the Rugby World Cup and at the World Rugby Awards.


A Storied Rugby Journey

Erasmus retired from playing in 2003 and transitioned seamlessly into coaching. He began his career with the Free State Cheetahs, leading them to a Currie Cup victory in 2005. From there, he held roles with Western Province, the Stormers, and Ireland’s Munster before taking the reins of the Springboks in 2018.

Under his leadership, the Springboks won the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Although he stepped down as head coach in 2020 to become SA Rugby’s director of rugby, Erasmus returned to the top coaching role this year after Jacques Nienaber departed for Leinster.


Looking Ahead

Erasmus’ surgery marks a significant step in his recovery, allowing him to return to full fitness and focus on leading the Springboks into the future. As he continues his rehabilitation, the rugby community awaits his return to the training field, where his hands-on approach has been instrumental in the team’s success.

This chapter highlights not only Erasmus’ resilience but also his dedication to both the sport and the players he leads.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *