Former referee Nigel Owens has reportedly turned down Rassie Erasmus’ offer to join the Springbok camp as part of their preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
SA’s director of rugby, Erasmus was widely believed to have received the approval of SA Rugby’s executive committee to bring Owens on board to help the Springboks defend their world title.
The World Cup-winning coach had already confirmed that he had been in contact with the Welshman over the possibility of working as a specialist refereeing consultant for the Boks in 2023.
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In his column for WalesOnline last month, Owens addressed the matter of potentially helping the South Africans prepare to defend the Webb Ellis Cup in five months’ time, saying “there’s a lot” for him to consider on whether he joins the world champions.
Now, according to WalesOnline, it understood the 51-year-old has told Erasmus that he cannot commit to the role at this time.
It’s do or die for the Stormers, with Exeter Chiefs standing in the way of a semi-final berth. Watch @mark_keohane and Zels make their Champions Cup picks. pic.twitter.com/RwZfPf3Mo5
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) April 6, 2023
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