Rassie reveals how Springboks changed transformation meaning
Rassie reveals how Springboks changed transformation meaning
Rassie Erasmus has played a key role in masterminding the Springboks’ charge to back-to-back World Cup glory, while embracing a team mantra of ‘Stronger Together’ that has united the nation.
There can be no doubt that he is a rugby genius, with his meticulous planning and preparation helping to empower a number of new players as the Springboks expanded their depth, evolved their style of play and crucially, led the way when it came to transformation.
Erasmus has returned to the role of head coach for the next four years, which would effectively place him in a position to ultimately have served at the helm of the national side for close to a decade when this next stint concludes.
Despite all his achievements on the international stage, Erasmus shared in his autobiography the fact that he viewed his greatest achievement to be the creation of the elite player development pathway which widened the net on the players of colour that were scouted and invested in.
Erasmus has also turned the Springboks into a team that is truly representative of South Africa, while ensuring the word ‘transformation’ was no longer viewed in a negative context.
The popular coach was recently awarded an honorary doctorate in Coaching Science from the North-West University (NWU). The university said that in addition to his visionary leadership, Erasmus has also shown an “unwavering commitment to the Sport Transformation Charter – which is included in the Strategic Plan of the Department of Sport and Recreation – that has resulted in a systematic change in the development of talent and skills across the national rugby spectrum”.
Rassie Erasmus has brought change to the Springboks and the way transformation is viewed
During a press conference last week, Erasmus provided further insights into his vision on this subject.
“I’ve been involved in South African rugby since 1994. Things were introduced that didn’t work, that embarrassed people, fans, media. I think the main thing was when trying to change, we struggled with the word transformation because some created a thing of it meaning ‘black people in, white people out’.
“But in other countries it’s just about change, how you communicate about it, how you operate, how you fight for your country. How diverse your management team is, how you select a team. What’s your work ethic like? We just gave the real meaning to the word transformation, which means change.
“When you look from the outside (when I was coaching Munster in Ireland), you think hell we can fix this by stopping embarrassing a group of people, or an individual. That was the cornerstone of it, and the Springbok team currently are really so honest with each other, and everyone feels safe in the team, but it’s
not a place where you can hide.”
A man of the people
Rassie Erasmus has become one of the most loved South African sports figureheads, and his honorary doctorate was also handed down in recognition of his innovative and exceptional management of the Springboks, as well as for his bold transformation goals.
Awie Kotze, the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, spoke about Erasmus’ achievement and awarding him with his honorary doctorate.
“Erasmus has shown himself to be a nation builder of whom the country can be proud,” said Kotze.
“He embodies the principles of resilience, determination and team-work that we at NWU hold dear. His contributions to South Africa, both as a rugby strategist and a nation builder, serve as a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, dedication and visionary leadership come together.”