Rassie Erasmus Wins Ministerial Excellence Award at 2024 South African Sports Awards

• Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus stepped into the spotlight once more this weekend, earning fresh recognition at a national event
• While celebrating his success, questions about his future with the Boks are also surfacing, with talks already underway
• Erasmus’s recent appearance has sparked conversation among fans, reviving speculation about his well-being

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has added another accolade to his name after being recognised at the South African Sports Awards on Sunday, 24 August, at the Sun City Superbowl.

The achievement comes months after Erasmus was named Coach of the Year at the 2024 SA Rugby Awards in March, further cementing his standing as one of the most influential figures in the game.

On Sunday, he received the Ministerial Excellence Award, while SA Rugby was once again named Top Governing Body for the second consecutive year.

Erasmus’s leadership has been pivotal in South Africa’s success, guiding the Springboks to back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023. His tactical acumen and bold approach have not only reshaped the Boks’ playing style but also earned him global recognition.

Read also

Inside Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy’s R300 million football career

Take a look at the picture below:

SA Rugby holds contract extension talks

Away from the spotlight of trophies and awards, attention is turning to Erasmus’s long-term future. His current deal with SA Rugby runs until the conclusion of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, but Rapport has reported that negotiations are already underway about a possible extension.

The same report suggests that at least two overseas clubs are closely monitoring his situation and could attempt to lure the 52-year-old coach abroad.

For now, however, Erasmus remains firmly at the centre of South Africa’s rugby ambitions, with fans and administrators eager to see his legacy continue.

Erasmus's weight loss sparks concern

However, Erasmus’s appearance has sparked growing concern among supporters. Recent photographs of the 52-year-old, including one alongside his daughters, showed him noticeably slimmer, prompting speculation about his health.

Some fans suggested he may simply be on a weight-loss journey, while others pointed to his medical history.

Read also

Springboks announce full squad for New Zealand tour ahead of All Blacks showdown

Watch the video below:

Ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Erasmus was diagnosed with microscopic polyangiitis with granulomatosis, a rare and potentially life-threatening autoimmune disease that affects organs such as the lungs, kidneys and trachea. He later revealed that he underwent chemotherapy to manage the condition.

Watch the clip below:

In 2024, Erasmus also underwent a painful shoulder operation to repair an old playing injury. He has not commented on his current health, leaving the public to draw its own conclusions.

Despite the speculation, Erasmus remains a popular figure in South African rugby. Admired for his tactical innovation and leadership, he continues to be celebrated not only by Bok fans but also by many South Africans who regard him as a national sporting icon.

Rassie Erasmus names squad for All Blacks game

Briefly News previously reported that Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has named a full-strength squad for South Africa’s upcoming tour of New Zealand, despite missing the services of prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who failed a doping test ahead of the series.

Read also

Spicy Plum returns: Kitshoff’s emotional DHL homecoming

The team will face the All Blacks at Eden Park in Auckland on 6 September, before meeting them again in Wellington on 13 September. Both fixtures are crucial as South Africa aims to defend its Rugby Championship title.

Source: Briefly News