Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks have dropped their appeals having been punished by World Rugby for undermining officials.
Last week, South Africa's director of Rugby was banned from all matchday activities until September 30, 2022. Erasmus was also instructed not to have any rugby involvement for two months, and asked to apologise to the match officials involved in the summer's first test with the British & Irish Lions.
SA Rugby was also fined £20,000 (€23,840).
Following that 5-point defeat in July, Erasmus released an hour-long video picking apart the refereeing performance of Nic Berry.
During the disciplinary hearings, Erasmus claimed he never intended for the video to be made public having intended it for the viewing pleasure of Berry, Joe Schmidt (then-Rugby and High Performance Director, World Rugby), Joël Jutge (Head of Match Officials, World Rugby), Jacques Nienaber (SA Head Coach) and Jurie Roux (CEO SA Rugby).
Sad not to be with the boys !!Captain's Practice time now !! I do however get the feeling the 2 months will not be so bad as feared !!🇲🇺🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/ft7K2VgrUa
— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) November 19, 2021
After World Rugby delivered their judgement, Erasmus and SA Rugby instantly responded with their intention to appeal.
World Rugby's findings pointed out repeatedly that neither Erasmus nor SA Rugby had apologised for the incident, with Berry saying, "I have spent many years trying to build my reputation as an international referee and in the course of his video which was posted online, Mr Erasmus has caused it immeasurable damage."
However, Erasmus and SA Rugby have apologised to the officials appointed to the first test.
"This has been a highly stressful and charged environment with unusual pressures placed on all concerned and we have no wish to prolong that experience for anyone," the added.
"We have drawn a line under the incident and only wish to look forward. We will respect the outcomes of the hearing, allowing our national teams and rugby operations to plan with clarity for the coming months."
World Rugby responded to the Boks' contrition, saying, "World Rugby welcomes the public apology from SA Rugby and Rassie Erasmus to the match officials involved in the first test between South Africa and the British & Irish Lions this year and the matter is closed."
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