South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus was rushed to hospital over the weekend after suffering chemical burns caused by a strong washing detergent.
In a statement, South Africa Rugby said the burns were so bad that the 51-year-old required surgery.
“Rassie Erasmus is recovering in hospital following a medical procedure for chemical burns sustained in a freak accident using a powerful detergent product,” the Springboks wrote.
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“He is otherwise in good health and expects to return to full-time working within week.”
No further update on his condition has been provided since his hospitalisation.
Erasmus coached the Springboks to the Rugby World Cup title in 2019 in Japan — the third time the country had lifted the Webb Ellis Cup — before stepping upstairs to the director of rugby role ahead of the 2023 edition of the tournament.
With Jacques Nienaber installed as head coach, Erasmus oversaw a second consecutive World Cup title last year in France, this time overseeing things as director.
They beat New Zealand in the final to become champions of the world for a fourth time.
Erasmus is set to take the reigns as head coach back off Nienaber this year after the latter’s departure to Leinster.
The rugby mastermind is contracted with SA Rugby until 2025 with the possibility to stay on until the next World Cup in 2027 — and his country doesn’t want him going anywhere until at least then.
“It’s very important that Rassie remains at the helm of affairs,” Springboks tighthead prop Vincent Koch told South African publication Rapport.
“He plays a very big role. Knowing he stays with us means a lot. Much of our success is due to Race. He is the brain behind als. With him there, it means the Boks can be successful for a few more years
“I’m not saying if the next guy steps in he won’t be successful. I’m just saying that with the current group, and where we are, Rassie is a mainstay. Everyone around the world respects him. Success follows him wherever he goes.”
South Africa is next scheduled to play in a two-game series against Ireland in July, first in Pretoria and then in Durban.