World Rugby has handed South African director of rugby Rassie Erasmus a two-game ban from all match-day activities, after tweets he posted that were perceived to be critical of referees.
This month, Erasmus returned from a near year-long stadium suspension, after his infamous 62-minute video critique of Australian referee Nic Berry, after the opening test of the tempestuous British & Irish Lions series in South Africa last year.
He will miss the test against Italy at Genoa on Sunday (NZ time) and the visit to Twickenham to face England on November 26, but can still help prepare the team for the matches.
Erasmus tweeted videos that appeared to show referee errors, after the Springboks' 19-16 loss to Ireland on November 5 and the 30-26 defeat by France last weekend, although he denies insinuating anything with the posts and was actually pointing out 'Bok mistakes.
"World Rugby has reviewed the recent social media posts by SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus that relate to match officiating in the Autumn Nations Series," said the governing body.
"The behaviour of coaching staff and match officials are widely observed by fans, media and participants at every level, and such behaviours affect how the values are applied across the game. World Rugby has the ability to impose a sanction where a breach has occurred."
Erasmus says suggestions he was taking pot shots at the officials - and in particular English referee Wayne Barnes after the French test - were wide of the mark.
"I don't think Wayne Barnes would make all those bad decisions," said Erasmus. "He's No.1 in the world and has 100 tests under the belt.
"It's obviously something on our side we need to fix. I just want supporters to understand that.
"If people put a narrative to that, I can't control it."
Reuters
