Boks' Rugby World Cup mastermind Erasmus in hospital

"Rassie Erasmus is recovering in hospital following a medical procedure for chemical burns sustained in a freak accident using a powerful detergent product," South African Rugby said in a statement on Saturday.

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

Erasmus is expected to be re-appointed head coach in the next cycle to the 2027 World Cup in Australia, after Jacques Nienaber vacated the position when he left for Irish club Leinster following last year's triumph in France.

Erasmus was coach when the Boks won the tournament in Japan in 2019.