Rassie

Stories of Life and Rugby

By: Johan Erasmus

Narrated by: Eben Genis

Length: 11 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Rassie Erasmus has been called a genius. He’s been called reckless. All his life, he’s done things differently. Now, with his trademark candour, Rassie talks openly about his adventures and misadventures.

He reveals the turmoil of living with an alcoholic father and growing up in the conservative town of Despatch. He looks back on an exemplary career as a player, whose innate rugby instincts, ability to read a game differently, and appetite for hard work set him apart. While his teammates relaxed, he preferred to watch hours of video to devise winning strategies. When given the opportunity to lead his country as Springbok captain, he refused the honour.

Rassie recalls how he became an important cog in Nick Mallett’s record-breaking Springbok team of the late 1990s. He remembers the anguish of the 1999 World Cup and the devastating injuries that cut short his playing career. He discusses his revolutionary coaching methods, which were initially laughed off and then eagerly adopted, how he fought the rugby establishment at the Stormers and earned the respect of Irish fans at Munster.

Rassie talks about his greatest contribution to South African rugby, appointing its first black captain, Siya Kolisi, without much fanfare or controversy, as his bold plans for effective racial transformation of the national team achieved immediate success, culminating in triumph at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Listeners will enjoy the behind-the-scenes information about interactions and controversies and previously untold stories from a truly maverick life.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Johan Erasmus (P)2023 Pan Macmillan South Africa

Misunderstood Genius

Rassie is quite open and honest in this book. Great to listen to his stories but also the inner workings of rugby. Great read (listen).

Honest assessment

Many things were surprising in this book: what is clear is that Rassie changed rugby fundementally for the entire world

The authenticity of the an Rassie

Thank you Rassie for being you, a man who sacrificed so much to bring hope to such a broken people, the South African. Your strategic and prophetic insight into transformation makes you one of the most significant people that walks the earth in the same generation as I do. You inspire on so many levels. The only other leader that had a similar heart for our nation was Madiba. Thank you for making me and my family deeply proud to be Springboks. You, Jacques, Siya, and so many like you that form the core of the Springboks must please keep the momentum to birth and give life to unity and transformation in our country. When you guys start your political party to help our country heal I know of millions who will vote for you. Please amaze us in this regard.

Wonderful book!!

I enjoyed the book thoroughly. There are many lessons that can be learnt from the many stories/situations that are spoken about in the book.

Well told story

Great book thoroughly enjoyed the story of the many experiences of Rassie. Puts much in better perspective

Brilliant!

The only negative for me was the narration. personally love the raspiness of Rassie's voice, I found the narrator somewhat limp.

This story, from start to finish was fantastic!!
Personal, funny, captivating and above all authentic, I can't imagine the sparse grammatical errors were an oversight- well appreciated!
We are so blessed to have a trailblazer like Rassie who has done what and what he's accomplished for our beloved nation's sport and the ripple effect of his vision, talent, smarts and balls - locally and internationally.
Here is the hope that he will set the standard, provide a template and a road map for others to follow on and build on from him,

Enjoy full and insightful

Well written and enjoyed the journey of his life. Book thoroughly enjoyed from start

Honesty of the life story

Great story of rising out of the troubles, and making the best of it. You will enjoy the listen.

A brilliant read for all rugby fans

You don’t need to understand rugby to enjoy this great book. One can now understand the complexities of Rassie’s life and so many challenges he was faced with, during his life on and off the rugby field. Well done to David O’Sullivan for his excellent writing skills, and all the amazing research in getting all the facts in place. Highly recommend.

Must read for any rugby fan

Throughly enjoyed this book by Rassie, very insightful and set straight in his unique manner. Wished the narrator was a bit better, especially the pronunciation of international names. Highly recommended.