A mishap left South Africa’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus admitted to the hospital with chemical burns.
Rassie Erasmus, 51, suffered the burns during a “freak accident using a powerful detergent product”, according to a statement by South Africa Rugby.
He is recovering in the hospital after undergoing a medical procedure for the burns and “expects to return to full-time working within weeks” and is “otherwise in good health.”
Erasmus coached South Africa to its third Rugby World Cup championship in 2019.
He moved into the director’s role before the 2023 tournament in Japan, which the Springboks again won under Jacques Nienaber – beating New Zealand in the final.
Nienaber left his role to take over the Irish club Leinster following the World Cup win.
Erasmus is expected to resume coaching South Africa this year in preparation for the 2027 edition of the tournament.
South Africa isn’t scheduled to play again until July when it takes on Ireland in a two-game series in Pretoria and Durban.
Erasmus was a legendary player during his eight-year career, earning 36 test caps for the Springboks and scoring seven times.
He played for the Cheetahs and the Golden Lions in the Currie Cup, and for the Cats and the Stormers in the Super 12.
Erasmus captained the Cats to the 2000 Super 12 semifinals and the Springboks in 1999.
He moved into coaching after retiring in 2003.
