Rassie Erasmus awarded honorary doctorate
South Africa’s Rugby World Cup-winning coach, Rassie Erasmus, was awarded his honorary doctorate of Philosophy in Coaching Science by North-West University on Thursday.
The institution said it acknowledged his leadership in the Springboks' victorious 2019 and 2023 World Cup campaigns, his global coaching stature, and his commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility.
It has also hailed Erasmus for fostering unity and reconciliation, transcending backgrounds and beliefs in the nation.
Erasmus recently signed a four-year contract as South Africa’s head coach, which includes the 2027 global showpiece in Australia.
The 51-year-old returned to the head coach role he filled when the Springboks beat England in the 2019 final before moving up to director of rugby for the 2023 triumph over New Zealand last October.
"The main difference between the last four years and this season is that I will be more hands-on at the field sessions," Erasmus said.
"In my role as director of rugby, I continued to oversee the team structures and strategy in conjunction with Jacques (Nienaber, the head coach at the 2023 RWC) and the other coaches, so it should be an easy transition into the head coach role."
The position of director of rugby has been discontinued pending a restructuring at SA Rugby.
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