North-West University (NWU) awarded Rugby World Cup-winning coach and former Director of SA Rugby, Johan “Rassie” Erasmus an honorary doctorate at Potchefstroom Campus on Thursday.
Erasmus was awarded the degree Philosophiae Doctor (Honoris Causa), in the discipline Coaching Science by the NWU’s Faculty of Health Sciences.
The honorary doctorate recognises Erasmus’ innovative and exceptional management of the Springboks during their victorious 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup campaigns.
Bert Sorgdrager, Council chairperson said Rassie has 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 embodies the principles of resilience, determination and teamwork that we at the North-West University hold dear in our educational mission. His contributions to South Africa, both as a rugby strategist and as a nation builder, serve as a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, dedication and visionary leadership come together,” said Sorgdrager
Erasmus said receiving the doctorate was an honour and a moment he will cherish forever.
“In the beginning I was scared because I didn’t know how these things work and how you handle such kind of things… I am not nervous in front on 80 000 people when we playing test, but I am nervous. This is definitely not my comfort zone,” said Erusmas.
“I now really feel part of the North-West University. They are my kind of people,” added Erusmas
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa congratulated the Springboks coach.
“I congratulate Dr Rassie Erasmus on receiving an honorary doctorate in Coaching Science from North West University. Coach Rassie has stood out for his exceptional management of the Springboks, who have won back to back Rugby World Cups.”
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi attended the ceremony and has also congratulated his coach.
“I want to say congratulations to coach Rassie, he really deserves it. He gave me my first contract when I was 18, so I have experienced everything that he has done. As a coach he made us play for South Africa, and not for ourselves. We are such a diverse country, but he made every single person in our group feel safe and heard. We are all indebted to him,” said Kolisi