Erasmus thanks Bok fans for their support ‘during a real tough 2021’

South African rugby’s director, Rassie Erasmus, has thanked fans for their continued support of the Springboks throughout a difficult 2021 season.

Erasmus, an integral member of the Bok team, missed the side’s final match of the year, against England at Twickenham last Saturday after being banned by World Rugby following his criticism of referee Nic Berry, who handled the Boks’ Test against the British and Irish Lions in July.

Erasmus was banned from team activities for two months, while SA Rugby were also given a fine. The director of rugby was thus absent from the Test in London, which the Boks lost in the dying minutes.

“Thanks to those who supported the Springboks during a real tough 2021 season (for all teams involved),” tweeted Erasmus, who, along with SA Rugby, will appeal the sanction meted out by World Rugby.

Despite the defeat in London at the weekend, the world champions ended the year as the number one ranked side in the world.

In a year of living in bio-secure bubbles and having not played any rugby in 2020 because of Covid-19, the Boks won eight and lost five matches.

Erasmus congratulated England for beating the Boks at Twickenham in Saturday, by toasting them in a video on twitter, with the words, “Congrats England.”

The Boks will next be in action in June/July next year when Wales visit South Africa before the Rugby Championship later in the year.