South Africa director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has been slapped with a fresh ban by World Rugby in the wake of his latest social media rants.

Erasmus will therefore miss the remainder of the Springboks’ November tour

World Rugby issued a statement on Thursday confirming the ban. This was also in response to Erasmus’ recent criticism of officiating in the Springboks’ defeats to Ireland and France.

South Africa lost 30-26 to France in Marseille on Saturday.

It’s a game which featured a number of controversial moments. Also Including two red cards being handed out by referee Wayne Barnes.

Erasmus has just finished a near year-long matchday ban for posting a video about referee Nic Berry’s performance. This was in the first British & Irish Lions Test

WORLD RUGBY STATEMENT

“World Rugby has reviewed the recent social media posts by SA Rugby Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus that relate to match officiating in the Autumn Nations Series.”

“Match officials are the backbone of the sport and without them there is no game. World Rugby condemns any public criticism of match official selection, performance or integrity. Which undermines their role, the trust-based coach/match officials feedback process and the values of integrity, respect, solidarity and discipline that are at the heart of the sport.

“Such behaviours affect the values across the game.“

“In addition, under the Match Officials Communication Framework, national teams have the ability to enter into a confidential feedback process, which is critical for success in a high-performance environment. The success of these communications relies on direct and honest feedback.“

TWO MATCH BAN FOR RASSIE ERASMUS

“In line with the Framework, World Rugby has the ability to impose a sanction where a breach has occurred. Having considered the matter World Rugby has issued a two-match ban against Rassie Erasmus and accordingly he may not take part in any match day activity in relation to the two upcoming test matches that South Africa has against Italy on 19 November, 2022 and England on 26 November, 2022. The ban includes engagement with media and social media in relation to match officials.”