Ouch! HOW did Rassie Erasmus sustain chemical burns in ‘freak accident’?

News of Rassie Erasmus’s hospitalistation over a “freak accident” has come as a surprise to concerned South Africans. According to a statement issued by SA Rugby, the Springboks boss is being treated for serious chemical burns.

But what or how caused the accident?

RASSIE HOSPITALISED AFTER ‘FREAK ACCIDENT’

In a statement on Saturday, 27 January, SA Rugby revealed concerning news of Rassie Erasmus.

It read: “Rassie Erasmus is recovering in hospital following a medical procedure for chemical burns sustained in a freak accident using a powerful detergent product.

ALSO READ: ‘Disrespectful’: Irish rugby fans slam ‘Zombie’ remix [watch]

“He is otherwise in good health and expects to return to full-time working within weeks.”

SA Rugby is confident that Rassie will be back in action long before the Springboks take on rivals Ireland in Pretoria on 6 July.

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. He is otherwise in good health and expects to return to full-time working within weeks 🏉 pic.twitter.com/hU2lxmRUUQ

— Springboks (@Springboks) January 27, 2024

WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE CHEMICAL BURNS?

While the statement did not disclose how Rassie Erasmus sustained the chemical burns, it’s likely he came into contact with harmful acids and oxidants.

They can be found in:

• Drain, pool, mould cleaners
• Paint thinners
• Battery acids
• Laundry detergents
• Weed killers
• Petrol

ALSO READ: ‘Closest English will come to it’: Rassie trolls critics with pic of bulldog and RWC trophy

SPRINGBOK BOSS’S HEALTH WOES

It’s not the first time Rassie Erasmus has had a serious health setback. 

Months before the 2019 Rugby World Cup, the retired player was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called microscopic polyangiitis with granulomatosis, previously known as Wegener’s disorder.

The potentially life-threatening disorder can impact vital organs like the kidneys, lungs‚ sinuses, and trachea.

Deciding to keep his health woes private, Rassie later revealed that he was treated with chemotherapy.