[WATCH] All the times Rassie wore his ‘heart on his sleeve’
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus may be a no-nonsense character on the pitch and on X, but the rugby hero clearly wears his heart on his sleeve.
Not for the first time, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus could not hold back the tears as he faced a crowd of adoring fans. This time around, the rugby hero received an honorary doctorate from North West University for his contributions to sport and nation-building.
The 51-year-old was visibly overcome with emotion throughout the ceremony on Thursday, 2 May, which was also attended by Bok captain Siya Kolisi.
RASSIE ERASMUS TEARS UP DURING DOCTORATE CEREMONY
Last month, it was announced that Rassie Erasmus would be conferred with an honorary doctorate in the discipline of Coaching Science from the Council of the North-West University.
The university revealed that the twice-winning Rugby World Cup hero would be honoured for his contribution to sport and as a nation builder who “serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, dedication and visionary leadership come together.”.
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Awie Kotze, the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, said during the presentation: “This esteemed recognition is not only well-deserved but also a testament to the remarkable contributions and exceptional impact Rassie has made in the field of sport and management.”
In pictures posted on social media, Rassie was cheered on by adoring fans as he made his way into the university auditorium. The Bok coach wore a red gown and a black graduation cap. Supporting him was Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who brought along the Webb Ellis Trophy for the celebration
In one clip, Rassie teared up as he sat on the stage and likely took in the proud moment.
Rassie Erasmus was overcome with emotion at yesterday’s honorary doctorate ceremony 🥺🎓 pic.twitter.com/TiJ80qTaik
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) May 3, 2024
Despite his no-nonsense attitude when it comes to rugby, fans were touched to see the sporting hero show his emotions.
@WarwDGoldie: “He wears his heart on his sleeve. Awesome!”
@SamDanLaz: “Rassie is all heart. This resonates with players and fans alike.”
@TrollusMaximus: “He’s done so much for so many. I think this was the first time he did a little something for himself. Naturally, he’ll apply all of this for the betterment of those around him. But I can imagine a little voice inside his head that said, ‘Well done, Rassie’. I’m so stoked for the guy”.
EMOTIONAL MOMENTS
It’s not the first time we’ve seen Rassie Erasmus shed a tear or two.
In a clip that went viral, the Bok hero refused to lift the Webb Ellis trophy in front of a crowd gathered at OR Tambo’s homecoming for the national team.
Instead, the retired rugby player – clearly overcome with emotion – encouraged other Springboks and coaching staff to have a moment to shine in the spotlight.
One tweep eloquently described the moment, tweeting: “If you really want to understand Rassie, here’s the clip.
“Overwhelmed by emotion because THIS MOMENT, not the final whistle or the award ceremonies, is the one he worked for. Refusing to lift the trophy because it’s not about him.”
If you really WANT to understand Rassie, here’s the clip.
Overwhelmed by emotion because THIS MOMENT, not the final whistle or the award ceremonies, but THIS MOMENT is the one he worked for.
Refusing to lift the trophy because it’s not about him.#servantleader #legend https://t.co/1zNgfQyh8H— Tinus le Roux (@tinusleroux) October 31, 2023
Rassie Erasmus is overcome with emotion as South Africa welcomes the World Champions home! 🇿🇦🏆
🎥 Eyewitness News #RWC2023 #Springboks pic.twitter.com/M4xGyEioGN
— The Good, The Bad & The Rugby (@GoodBadRugby) November 1, 2023
When the final whistle blew, signalling that the Springboks had won the Rugby World Cup again in 2023, an emotional Rassie also cried as he embraced his colleagues seated in the stadium stands.
Rassie couldn’t stop crying. 😢
Love him or hate him, he is inevitable. #RWCFinal #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/hQKCNaP3yp
— Mariette Adams (@MarietteAdams_) October 29, 2023
Later as the team lifted the trophy for the first time, Rassie chose to hide himself in the shadows.
There are two types of leaders in this world. pic.twitter.com/RKRaA8SQ8b
— Daniël Eloff (@DJEloff) October 29, 2023
Rassie’s crying scenes in the Chasing The Sun documentary have been a favourite amongst fans.
The year is 20230.
Daughter: “Dad, what did you do when the referee blew the final whistle in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final?”
Me: pic.twitter.com/uusXY83un4
— Madima (@MaanoMadima) October 29, 2023
WHAT OTHER QUALIFICATIONS DOES SPRINGBOK COACH HAVE?
Although Rassie Erasmus has a wealth of rugby knowledge from professional playing and coaching – and now an honorary PhD – what academic qualifications does the Springbok coach have?
According to the Bloemfontein Courant, the Despatch-born star is a graduate of the University of the Free State, although it is unclear what he studied.
After his studies, Rassie joined the army, where he was stationed at Panzer Battalion airforce base.
