Rugby World Cup-winning coach, former Director of Rugby of SA Rugby, and current Springbok Head Coach, Johan “Rassie” Erasmus, was awarded an honorary doctorate by the North-West University (NWU) on 2 May 2024. Approved by the NWU Council during their recent meeting, this prestigious award recognises Erasmus’s exceptional leadership as a Rugby World Cup-winning coach and former Director of Rugby of SA Rugby. The honorary degree in Coaching Science, Philosophiae Doctor (Honoris Causa), acknowledges his innovative strategies that led to the Springboks’ triumphs in the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups. Beyond his sporting prowess, Erasmus is hailed for his commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility, making him a role model both on and off the field.

Rassie Erasmus, the illustrious Springbok Head Coach, stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of rugby. With a dazzling career that spans both the field as a player and the sidelines as a coach, Erasmus has etched his name in the annals of the sport’s history with golden ink.

His journey began with a sensational Test debut against the formidable British & Irish Lions in Johannesburg in 1997, a moment that marked the genesis of his glittering playing career. As fate would have it, he ascended to the role of captain of the Springboks, leading them with courage and conviction against Australia in Brisbane in 1999.

Transitioning seamlessly into the realm of coaching, Erasmus assumed pivotal roles such as Director of Rugby at SA Rugby, Head Coach at Munster, and General Manager of High-performance teams at SA Rugby. Guiding teams like the DHL Stormers and Toyota Free State Cheetahs with finesse, he eventually found himself at the helm of the Springboks, steering them to unprecedented glory.

The crowning jewel of his coaching odyssey came in 2019 when he masterminded the Springboks’ triumphant Rugby World Cup campaign and Castle Lager Rugby Championship conquest. Showered with accolades, including the prestigious World Rugby Coach of the Year title, Erasmus’s tactical acumen and unwavering commitment have established him as a paragon of coaching prowess in the modern rugby landscape.