Rassie Erasmus awarded Order of Ikhamanga for nation-building role

The role Coach Rassie Erasmus and his Springboks play in uniting South Africa is well-documented.

As a result, Erasmus has been named as the recipient of South Africa’s highest national honour, the Order of Ikhamanga.

The award not only recognises his role in the Springboks’ back-to-back Rugby World Cup successes, but also his ability to use the sport as a tool for nation building, even if it’s only for one match-day at a time.

SA Rugby has extended the contract of Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus for a further four years. pic.twitter.com/NFel3oaWbp

— SABC News (@SABCNews) December 5, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially present the order at an investiture ceremony on Tuesday.

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