Rassie Erasmus and Springboks captain Siya Kolisi after the game against France which Wayne Barnes reffed.

Rassie Erasmus and Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. Image: @Springboks/Twitter.

Rassie Erasmus shades Wayne Barnes in IsiXhosa

Rassie Erasmus didn’t appreciate Wayne Barnes speaking French in Springboks vs France Test and tweeted in IsiXhosa to voice displeasure.

Rassie Erasmus and Springboks captain Siya Kolisi after the game against France which Wayne Barnes reffed.

Rassie Erasmus and Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. Image: @Springboks/Twitter.

Rassie Erasmus did not appreciate referee Wayne Barnes speaking French during the Test match between South Africa and France and he tweeted in IsiXhosa to voice his displeasure over the matter.

Erasmus has been talk of the town, so speak, after he posted a series of tweets seemingly highlighting inconsistent refereeing decisions by Barnes in the highly-charged encounter between the Springboks and France in Marseille.

The SA Rugby director of rugby has been on the receiving end of widespread criticism and is being branded a sore loser, for what people say is a degrading attack on referees.

Rassie has vehemently denied that his tweets are directed at referees, saying it is shared solely for the benefit of South African people and anyone else who has a problem with his posts should either block, mute or unfollow him.

ALSO READ: Warren Gatland takes aim at Rassie Erasmus over tweets

He has since posted another tweet, captioned in IsiXhosa no less, coupled with a video clip in which Barnes can be heard speaking to the players in French, a language which most of the Springboks are not familiar with, from the first minute of the game.

Erasmus tweeted “Xolo asisiva isiFrench”, which loosely translates to “Sorry, we don’t understand French”.

Check out Rassie Erasmus’ tweet below:

Despite the animosity brewing between Rassie and Barnes, the latter has been appointed to do duty in the Springboks’ Test against Italy in Genoa this weekend. Barnes will serve as one of the assistant referees, with his countryman Matthew Carley taking charge of the game. The match kicks off at 3pm (South African time) on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Joël Jutge, head of match officials at World Rugby, has said they do not understand the attitude of Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus.

“All referees are affected by these attacks on referees in general and Wayne Barnes last weekend. Because by doing so, Rassie Erasmus opens the door to violent behaviour and behind it, entire families are insulted and affected. It is extremely dangerous. But some people think that if the South African coach talks about a referee like that, they have the right to do it too…” Jutge said. 

“His attitude is a concern for World Rugby and Rassie Erasmus’ peers do not share his way of doing things. It is contrary to our values, even if this word is sometimes overused. Erasmus does not serve his cause and it is surprising to see him continue in this way”

“We are very disappointed that he is using social networks to voice his reservations about the refereeing of this or that match. It’s counterproductive and totally inappropriate. But if he does, it’s because his federation authorises him to do so… It’s unfortunate…

“I don’t understand Rassie Erasmus’ attitude. What will be done to make him stop? I don’t know… It’s not part of my skills…”

BREAKING: World Rugby responds to Rassie’s tweets