ERASMUS FACES MUSIC... BUT NOT UNTIL AFTER THE DECIDER!

SOUTH AFRICA director of rugby Rassie Erasmus is likely to be free to feature in Saturday’s series decider against the Lions after World Rugby delayed disciplinary action. The governing body last night announced that Erasmus would be hauled before a disciplinary panel over questioning the integrity of referee Nic Berry during a rogue 63-minute video. However, the hearing is unlikely to happen this week, meaning Erasmus will be able to continue his contentious waterboy role for the Springboks in the third Test in Cape Town. The Lions were also criticised for their comments regarding the appointment of a South African TMO in the build-up to the first Test but it is Erasmus who is set to receive a serious sanction in the coming weeks. A World Rugby statement last night read: ‘South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and SA Rugby will face an independent misconduct hearing for comments regarding match official performance during the Test series between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions. ‘Match officials are the backbone of the sport, and without them there is no game. World Rugby condemns any public criticism of their selection, performance or integrity which undermines their role, the well-established and trust-based coach-officials feedback process, and more importantly, the values that are at the heart of the sport. ‘Having conducted a full review of all the available information, World Rugby is concerned that individuals from both teams have commented on the selection and/or performance of match officials. However, the extensive and direct nature of the comments made by Rassie Erasmus within a video address, in particular, meets the threshold to be considered a breach of World Rugby Regulation 18 (misconduct and code of conduct) and will now be considered by an independent disciplinary panel. The date and panel will be confirmed in due course. World Rugby has reminded the management of both teams of the importance of this area and their obligations regarding the values of the sport. ‘In order to protect the integrity of the sport and its values, World Rugby will also undertake a review of its code of conduct relating to incidents of this nature with a view to strengthening scope, rules and sanctions.’