Rassie Erasmus: South Africa's director of rugby suffers 'freak chemical burns' injury

Erasmus has helped oversee back to back Rugby World Cup wins for the Springboks

Rassie Erasmus, director of rugby for world champions South Africa, is recovering in hospital after undergoing treatment for chemical burns.

The 51-year-old was injured in a "freak accident" while using a powerful detergent, South Africa Rugby said.

Erasmus coached the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2019 and was heavily involved as director of rugby in their 2023 triumph as well.

Erasmus "expects to return to full-time working within weeks".

"Rassie Erasmus, SA Rugby's director of rugby, is recovering in hospital following a medical procedure for chemical burns sustained in a freak accident using a powerful detergent product," South Africa Rugby said.

"He is otherwise in good health."

With 2023 World Cup-winning coach Jacques Nienaber having moved to Irish province Leinster, Erasmus has taken over the head coach role with the Springboks once again.

South Africa are not in action until July, when they host Ireland at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.