SA Rugby and director of rugby Rassie Erasmus have officially withdrawn the appeal against the ban handed down by World Rugby and apologised to referee Nic Berry.

Erasmus has accepted a two month ban from all rugby and a six month suspension from match day activities, which he started serving during the Springboks’ match against England at Twickenham.

Both SA Rugby and Erasmus had originally intended to appeal the decision made by World Rugby’s judicial committee.

However, on Thursday, SA Rugby issued a short statement confirming that they have withdrawn the appeal and further apologised to the match officials involved in the first Test between the Springboks and British & Irish Lions.

“SA Rugby and Rassie Erasmus wish to apologise to the match officials appointed to the first Test of the Springboks’ Series against the British & Irish Lions,” the statement read.

“We also confirm that SA Rugby and Erasmus have advised World Rugby that they withdraw their Notice of Appeal and will not lodge an appeal against the sanctions imposed by the Judicial Committee.

“This has been a highly stressful and charged environment with unusual pressures placed on all concerned and we have no wish to prolong that experience for anyone.

“We have drawn a line under the incident and only wish to look forward. We will respect the outcomes of the hearing, allowing our national teams and rugby operations to plan with clarity for the coming months.”

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