World Rugby has still not set a date for Rassie Erasmus and SA Rugby to appear before an independent disciplinary committee for their misconduct hearing.
World Rugby formally charged Erasmus and SA Rugby after the director of rugby produced a video in which he criticised match officials during the recent British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa.
In the video, Erasmus highlighted a host of officiating discrepancies in the first Test of the series which was handled by Australian referee Nic Berry.
If found guilty, Erasmus’ punishments could range from a fine to even having the Springboks stripped of their series victory over the Lions.
According to Afrikaans publication Rapport, one of the biggest challenges that the committee is facing is convening for the hearing due to the fact that its members are based around the world.
The disciplinary committee’s chairperson is in London, two of its senior advocates are in New Zealand, the World Rugby headquarters (where the hearing must take place) is in Dublin, while Erasmus and the SA Rugby chiefs are in South Africa.
The countries’ time differences coupled with Covid-19 restrictions are said to make it difficult to set a date for the misconduct hearing.
If the hearing does take place during the Boks’ tour of Europe, Erasmus still won’t attend in person and will rather attend virtually.
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