Rassie Erasmus is back at the Springboks hot seat after he was confirmed as the new coach of the national team. Picture: Paul Harding/Getty Images.
Former Springboks coach and South Africa’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has been admitted to hospital following a freak accident.
The South African Rugby Union (Saru) confirmed on Saturday that the former Springboks coach sustained chemical burns while using a powerful detergent.
The 51-year-old Erasmus is “recovering in hospital following a medical procedure for chemical burns sustained in a freak accident using a powerful detergent product,” Saru said in a statement.
“He is otherwise in good health and expects to return to full-time working within weeks.”
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According to TimesLIVE, it is understood Erasmus attempted to unblock a drain using a plunger when the accident occurred but details around what happened remain sketchy.
Though the statement said he would return to work within weeks, SA Rugby remain hopeful they can announce the new Springboks coaching structure as planned in the coming weeks.
Erasmus kick-started the process to find a replacement for Jacques Nienaber who vacated the position of Springboks head coach, as well as assistant coach Felix Jones.
It was also widely reported in the media last year that Erasmus might again take up the position as Springboks head coach on an interim basis.
Erasmus coached the Springboks to the Rugby World Cup glory in 2019 in Japan before he stepped into the director of rugby role ahead of the 2023 edition of the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Springboks will hit the rugby field in July when they take on Ireland at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria to kick off their home season.
The much-anticipated season will see the World Cup champions return to Bloemfontein for a Test match for the first time, since their 13-12 loss to Wales in 2022.
READ MORE: Bloemfontein to host first ever Test between Boks and Portugal
A Rugby World Cup (RWC) reunion is also on the horizon when the South African team are expected to take on New Zealand in August and September.
The Springboks will once again go head to head against the All Blacks on the field, just over 10 months after SA’s RWC victory.
In October last year, the South African team beat New Zealand 12-11 in France to claim the coveted Webb Ellis Cup through securing a fourth World Cup victory.
With tickets expected to go on sale soon, Springbok rugby supporters are encouraged to only buy from official outlets.
ALSO READ: Will more Springboks make the move to Japan?
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