Shock is what lies within the rugby community following recent reports that Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and his wife Nicolene have secretly divorced – ultimately bringing an end to a 20-year-long union.
The news was first published by the Afrikaans lifestyle magazine Huisgenoot which confirmed that they were in possession of the documents confirming that the news is in fact true.
The publication stated that the divorce was finalised on the 29th of April of this year.
Despite previously having had plans to permanently immigrate to Ireland with his family of five during his and former coach Jacques Nienaber’s coaching stint at the Munster rugby club prior to 2019’s success, it was reported that Rassie and Nicolene’s marriage has been rocky as of late and that they have not been living together.
The couple share three daughters, Nikki, Carli and Janie.
However, the two are also rarely seen in public together aside from their historic win at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, while other reports by publications have indicated that Nicolene was in attendance at last year’s tournament as well.
More recently Rassie received an honourary doctorate degree in coaching philosophy from the North West University, where his captain Siya Kolisi, the South African Rugby Union head Mark Alexander and lawyer being the only ones in attendance.
Since the news has been released it is said that it was revealed Rassie’s lawyer refused to comment on his personal matters, while SA rugby declined to comment as well.
Rassie is currently in Cape Town where he held an alignment camp to get players prepared for the upcoming international season where the Springboks will be facing Wales, Portugal and Ireland ahead of the Rugby Championship matches later this year.
Also see: Springboks’ coach Rassie Erasmus to be addressed as Dr. after graduating with doctorate
