Rassie Erasmus finally gets his flowers with top award

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus is set to receive a prominent award – the FW de Klerk Goodwill Award – weeks after being snubbed by World Rugby.

The Boks boss – the second highest paid in the world – was given the cold shoulder for the World Rugby Coach of the Year.

Despite having two consecutive World Cups to his name, the award was given to French Sevens coach Jérôme Daret.

RASSIE ERASMUS TO RECEIVE RUGBY AWARD

In a tweet, the FW De Klerk Foundation revealed that Rassie Erasmus would receive its 2024 Goodwill Award.

The organisation “promotes and preserves the heritage” of the late leader. This is done “by supporting the causes for which he worked during his presidency.” FW de Klerk died in 2021 following a short cancer battle.

Reacting to the news, Rassie tweeted: “Thank you to the #FWdeKlerkFoundation and the Boks for this great honour! It feels unfair getting recognition for something you love and enjoy so much.”

He added: “Thanks to all the South Africans who support and inspire us to deliver. This is a tribute to you.”

UNBOTHERED BY ‘SNUB’

Day after the World Rugby Awards took place, Rassie Erasmus indirectly responded to being snubbed in the Coach of the Year Award category.

In a voice note posted on X, he urged South Africans to “stay nice and humble, support each other, and help us keep our feet on the ground.” 

“We play for you guys and for South Africa. Also for those abroad who understand and see what we stand for as the Springboks – I appreciate that a lot.

“At the end of the day, it is all just a game that we are all proud of.”

‘KE DECEMBER’

Meanwhile, Rassie Erasmus is enjoying his time off the pitch.

On X and Instagram – which he recently joined – he has been posting images of him spending quality time with his friends and family, including his three daughters.

Rassie would likely get back on the ball in the new year as he is expected to call up new Springbok recruits in 2025.

SHOULD RASSIE ERASMUS HAVE WON THE ‘COACH OF THE YEAR’ AWARD?

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