Four people were injured earlier this week when an advertisement board came loose during Rassie Erasmus’ helicopter landing before a Varsity Cup rugby match in Potchefstroom.

Louis Jacobs, the spokesperson for North-West University (NWU), confirms the incident happened on Monday at about 18:30 at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds. He says an advertisement board at the back of a pavilion came loose and injured some people.

“This happened as the helicopter came flying into the stadium. Nothing happened to the helicopter.”

According to reports, the wind generated by the helicopter’s rotor system caused the board to loosen and fall.

Jacobs says two people were taken to hospital and discharged the following morning.

“Medical assistance, including a medical doctor, was provided on the scene, as such personnel are present during all major events.”

He says NWU arranged emotional counselling for those affected by the incident.

Three of the injured are students, while the other is a member of the public.

“The matter is being investigated in terms of the Safety, Health and Environmental rules and protocols of the university,” Jacobs says.

Rassie’s grand entrance

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, who was recently honoured with an honorary doctorate in coaching science by the NWU, made a grand entrance to attend their Varsity Cup match against Stellenbosch University (Maties) on Monday, landing on the field in a helicopter.

Erasmus was accompanied by NWU’s mascot, an eagle named Eagi.

Potchefstroom Herald reports that Erasmus was in attendance earlier that day when Springbok captain Siya Kolisi unveiled the men’s residence that was renamed in the Bok captain’s honour.

@foreversportsmedia Rassie Erasmus arrived in a helicopter to watch NWU Eagles vs Maties in Potchefstroom. #Rugby #RassieErasmus #VarsityCup #Springboks #NWU #Maties ♬ original sound – Forever Sports

After the grand entrance on the rugby field on Monday night, Erasmus was welcomed by the crowd with loud roars of excitement and he even attempted to ‘tackle’ Eagi.

Maties went on to beat NWU 29-27.

During the match, crowds could be heard singing a version of the Cranberries’ song Zombie, which has been popularly adopted in South Africa with alternative lyrics sounding: “He’s in your head, in your head, Rassie.”

@supersportofficial Rassie Erasmus watching the NWU Eagles last night while the whole stadium belts us his name 🇿🇦🗣️ #rugby #rugbytok #sarugby #tiktoksouthafrica #tiktoksa #rassieerasmus #varsitycup ♬ original sound – SuperSportTV

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.