Australian Test referee Nic Berry, who was left distressed at a video “character assassination” from Rassie Erasmus, has got an apology from the South African director of rugby.
It follows both South Africa and Erasmus deciding to withdraw their plans to appeal against the punishments imposed for his hour-long video criticising Berry after the first Test against the British and Irish Lions.
Berry said he and his family had suffered an “extremely difficult time” after Erasmus released the video which made waves on social media.
He told a World Rugby disciplinary hearing into Erasmus’s misconduct: “My family and I have endured a significant amount of distress and we will only have negative memories of the whole experience.
“I feel that Mr Erasmus engaged in a character assassination of me on social media.
“I have spent many years trying to build my reputation as an international referee and in the course of his video which was posted online, Mr Erasmus has caused it immeasurable damage.”
Erasmus, who last week received a ban for two months and was barred from attending Tests in an official capacity for ten months, had originally said he would appeal against the punishment, which also stated he would have to apologise to the official.
But on Thursday, SA Rugby, which was also fined $US27,000 ($A38,000) for the incident, said in a statement: “SA Rugby and Rassie Erasmus wish to apologise to the match officials appointed to the first Test of the Springboks’ series against the British and Irish Lions.
“We also confirm that SA Rugby and Erasmus have advised World Rugby that they withdraw their Notice of Appeal and will not lodge an appeal against the sanctions imposed by the Judicial Committee.
“This has been a highly stressful and charged environment with unusual pressures placed on all concerned and we have no wish to prolong that experience for anyone.
“We have drawn a line under the incident and only wish to look forward. We will respect the outcomes of the hearing, allowing our national teams and rugby operations to plan with clarity for the coming months.”
World Rugby said it welcomed the public apology and considered the case to be closed.
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
ah the good ol' days when the Wallabies were actually good
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
yep, needed to do his best "Johann le Roux" moment and do it hidden from the Ref & cameras
piru
Roar Rookie
They didn't lose because of reffing
piru
Roar Rookie
I said it before as well. You don’t have to have the Ref on your side to win or lose. For a fair contest you need a unbiased, competent Ref and TMO. Gee, a bloke would have to be ignorant not to agree with that ! No he wouldn't, he'd just have to have been around the game awhile. You can't rely on getting the rub of the green, or even all correct calls every game. If you want to be consistently considered a great side. You can't be so reliant on refereeing that you lose games if you don't get the calls you need. Once again for those in the back - Good teams take the ref out of the equation.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Gee Meateater, why don't you man up and become a "Rookie"
Bobby
Roar Rookie
I said it before as well. You don't have to have the Ref on your side to win or lose. For a fair contest you need a unbiased, competent Ref and TMO. Gee, a bloke would have to be ignorant not to agree with that !
piru
Roar Rookie
No mate, the bloke who was calling for every decision to be publicly debated by the peanut gallery. As you put it, refs are already judged and graded by people who actually know what they are doing.
piru
Roar Rookie
Rassie went extreme, and given the rest of the coaching world a platform that is now accepted by WR. Moan on matchday, brood till wednesday, get a warning on Thursday, say sorry on friday, no ramifications. This is a lamentable state of affairs, not what I would call classy
piru
Roar Rookie
I've said it before, I'll say it again. Good teams take the ref out of the equation. If you constantly need the refs on your side to get a win, you are not a good team
Darren WA
Roar Rookie
Rassie Erasmus, has made life hard Nic Berry all because of his self centred personality, then to withdraw his complaint after a long period of time. To just move on and try and forget that this has happened is complete madness. Rassie should has had a huge impact on Nic Berry's career, what international ref would want to go to South Africa and ref a game after this BS!!!! Rassie received 2 month ban.... what a complete insult to Nic Berry. Nic Berry has integrity and is a very capable ref, Rassie after this incident needs to take a long hard look at himself and they he views other people of the world.
rusty
Roar Rookie
yes ICC much like WR, no balls. If you lost a test and the series because of it ball tampering would cease overnight.
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
A truly disgraceful episode for Eramus and SA Rugby imo that has brought the game into disrepute. Ended in an insignificant penalty while SA Rugby got what it wanted in influencing match officials for the remaining 2 Tests. This helped them win the Lions series which they also completely ruined as a spectacle. SA Rugby, and Erasmus, have therefore lost a huge amount of respect around the world imo :thumbup:
biltong
Guest
Opinion. When it comes to blaming referees and singling out individuals SA isn't unique in that respect. Rassie went extreme, and given the rest of the coaching world a platform that is now accepted by WR. Moan on matchday, brood till wednesday, get a warning on Thursday, say sorry on friday, no ramifications.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Is this aimed at me Piru?
NOTASaffaSpy
Roar Rookie
"Dear Nic Berry, I am sorry you're a terrible ref" - RE
biltong
Guest
Hmmm piru, Aussies will beg to differ, just ask them about their last two test matches.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
What an amazing comment. You should watch a game or 2
Ex force fan
Guest
The word “wish” was used in Rennie’s apology ironically. However most would hypocritically consider his apology as good enough. Both apologies were forced so not so sure if you can consider either as sincere.
piru
Roar Rookie
You don’t really want that. You’re just saying it because you think it defends Erasmus’ appalling behaviour. He doesn’t deserve your support why are you giving it to him?
piru
Roar Rookie
They've no class at all, in fact