Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has been honoured off the field yet again by receiving the FW de Klerk Foundation’s annual Goodwill Award.
The award was established in 2010 and is designed to recognise individuals and/or organisations that build or promote unity and goodwill between South Africans.
Erasmus was handed an honorary doctorate in coaching science early this year by North West University in South Africa for his efforts in uniting the country during the Rugby World Cup.
Springboks embody Mandela’s vision
The coach has kicked on in 2024 encouraging South Africans to stick together while offering an insight into the power of the collective with his multicultural Springboks side that embodies Nelson Mandela’s Rainbow Nation vision.
The award will be handed to the back-to-back World Cup winner in 2025 and the foundation praised the importance of the Springboks for South Africa.
“His role as coach inspires people from all walks of life, instills pride and promotes nation-building,” the foundation stated on Monday.
“The work of the FW de Klerk Foundation resonates with the non-racial, meritocratic, humble and patriotic values espoused by Rassie during his tenure as the national coach.
“The Springboks’ victories continue to unite South Africans in celebration and also serve to inspire every citizen to derive important life lessons about working together as a nation, mutual respect, tolerance, humanity, perseverance, teamwork, discipline, leadership and serving the interest of all of our people.”
For the South Africans
Erasmus responded to the award on X where in typical fashion he offered the accolade as a tribute to South Africans.
“Thank you to the #FWdeKlerkFoundation & the Boks for this great honour!! It feels “unfair” getting recognition for something you love and enjoy so much. Thanks to all the South Africans who support and inspire us to deliver. This is a tribute to you.”
The veteran coach has begun the pursuit of the unattained in 2024 as the Springboks begin building for the unprecedented three-peat of World Cups.
During the Test season, Erasmus used a whopping 50 players as he looks to evolve his ageing side by adding some fresh blood where applicable. So far so good for the coach who has transformed the Springboks into a great threat in 2024 with 11 wins from 13 Tests.
READ MORE: Opinion: Want South African clubs to succeed in Europe? Bring the Springboks into the Six Nations
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/springboks-inspirational-dr-rassie-erasmus-acknowledged-for-nation-building-with-another-off-field-award
