Rassie Erasmus is one of the very few professional sports coaches who makes regular use of social media, with his posts ranging from insights into his personal life to making clear statements related to on-field matters.
In the latest example of finding unconventional ways to send a message, Erasmus used AI to create videos of Springbok attack coach Tony Brown saying “I’m not leaving” after recent reports linked him to the All Blacks.
The videos drew inspiration from a famous scene in well-known Leonardo DiCaprio movie, The Wolf of Wall Street.
Rassie Erasmus divides opinion
While many social media users saw the lighter side of Erasmus’ latest post, there have also been those who have questioned whether a head coach should really be using this platform as a line of communication.
Popular New Zealand pundit Scotty Stevenson is one of those who suggested the latest post from Erasmus was in bad taste.
“I think a lot of people are enjoying the schadenfreude (pleasure derived from another person’s misfortune) of the moment; that is for sure. Certainly, South African fans are,” he said on his Sport Nation show.
“Rassie Erasmus’ AI post of Tony Brown was childish. I think it does a coaching compatriot in Scott Robertson a massive disservice as well, but that’s stirring the pot and grist for the mill.”
Tony Brown confirms commitment to Springboks
Recently, Tony Brown opened up about the links suggesting he could leave the Springboks if the All Blacks came calling.
“I’m obviously contracted. I don’t have an ‘out’ of my contract, so I’m back in South Africa (until the Rugby World Cup),” Brown told The Post.
“Everything’s just speculation. I’m not even sure what New Zealand Rugby’s plans are. No one’s really heard anything,” he added.
