Referee boss Joel Jutge weighs in on Rassie debate

The name Rassie Erasmus has again been making the rounds in the rugby world after the Springbok Director of Rugby has been utilising social media to highlight shortcomings in the officiating during both South Africa’s Tests in the Autumn Nations Series thus far.

As things stand, the Boks are 0 from 2 in their campaign (having fallen to both Ireland and France) with Italy and England still to come.

Erasmus grabbed global headlines last year after an hour-long video he made criticising referee Nic Berry during the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour was mysteriously leaked to the public.

Erasmus’ actions have angered many, who say that the maverick coach is ignoring protocol and bringing the game into disrepute.

Now, former international referee Joel Jutge, who is currently head of referees at World Rugby, has weighed in on the debate. In an interview with Rugby Rama, Jutge made his position clear.

When asked how he perceived Erasmus’ behaviour, Jutge said:

“He chose this channel of communication several months ago. He had more or less done the same thing during the last British Lions tour in South Africa (summer 2021) and closer to us, after the recent defeat of the Springboks in Ireland (19-16). We regret this behaviour because we at World Rugby have set up a system of communication and exchanges with the coaches which works rather well. We are therefore very disappointed that he is using social networks to voice his reservations about the refereeing of this or that match. It's counterproductive and totally inappropriate. But if he does, it's because his federation authorizes him to do so… It's unfortunate…”    

A major question on everyone’s mind is whether Erasmus could land himself with another ban. When asked to comment on this notion, Jutge responded with:

“His attitude is a concern for World Rugby and Rassie Erasmus' peers do not share his way of doing things. It is contrary to our values, even if this word is sometimes overused. Erasmus does not serve his cause and it is surprising to see him continue in this way.”

Jutge was also asked to give his opinion on the defence that Erasmus, as an autonomous individual, has the right to express himself as he pleases on channels such as social media.

“We totally agree,” Jutge said. “But there are things that, in my opinion, must be settled internally. These sensitive subjects cannot end up in the public square.”