Dr Rassie Erasmus: ‘Visionary’ Springboks boss rewarded for ‘unifying a nation’
Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus.
Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus has been recognised for his achievements by being awarded an honorary doctorate from North-West University.
After joining the national team set-up in 2018, the 51-year-old has been instrumental in South Africa claiming back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles.
He took on the role of both head coach and director of rugby before stepping back from the former after the 2019 global tournament.
Jacques Nienaber duly became head coach with Erasmus remaining as the director of rugby during the Boks’ triumphant campaign in France.
NWU have duly decided to make him a doctor in the discipline of ‘coaching science’.
A team game
“Rugby is a team sport and success is a collective effort. So, although this is an incredible achievement for me personally, all credit must go to everyone who made a massive contribution and huge sacrifices throughout the last few years and to our supporters who have been unwavering in their support for the national team,” the two-time World Cup winner said.
Erasmus has not just been recognised for the Springboks’ excellence on the field but also for how he has managed to unite the nation.
It is not an easy time to be living in South Africa at the moment, but the Boks’ success has brought people closer together.
They created a diverse and culturally rich team from various different backgrounds that worked together to deliver successive world titles.
“Rassie embodies the principles of resilience, determination and teamwork that we at the North-West University hold dear in our educational mission,” Bert Sorgdrager, NWU’s council chairperson, said.
“His contributions to South Africa, both as a rugby strategist and as a nation builder, serve as a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, dedication and visionary leadership come together.
“This esteemed recognition is not only well deserved, but also a testament to the remarkable contributions and exceptional impact Rassie has made in the field of sport and innovative sports management.”
‘Unifying a nation with a complex history’
Sorgdrager added: “His commitment to inclusivity and transformation in sport has not only revitalised rugby but has served as a powerful symbol of reconciliation and unity in a nation with a complex history.
“Under his guidance, the Springboks not only achieved rugby greatness, but also became a unifying force, bringing together people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
“His emphasis on teamwork, discipline and dedication has resonated far beyond the sports arena, offering life lessons that inspire not only aspiring athletes, but also individuals in their everyday lives.
“He has meaningfully used his sphere of influence to advocate for social change, fostering an environment in which diversity and inclusivity are celebrated, and differences are seen as strengths rather than weaknesses.”
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