VIDEO: Rassie opens up about Swys saga
REACTION: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has opened up about the "unfortunate" departure of Swys de Bruin from the national team.
De Bruin advised the Springbok management earlier that he wished to be 'released' from his role as an attack consultant with the team.
He made the request for "personal and medical reasons" - the same reason he departed the Lions team during their tour of Australasia earlier this year and later admitted he was suffering from a 'stress-related' emotional condition.
* Watch from about five minutes 12 seconds on the video ...
"It is an unfortunate situation," Erasmus said, when he addressed a media briefing.
"When you come to one's personal life - being it health, religion or family - that always comes first.
"In this case, it is a health issue, a medical issue.
"Swys told us, unfortunately, he can't be with us. It is very sad. I know he wants to be with us [and] we want him to be with us - he has contributed in such a big way.
"However, personal life always comes first.
"We wish him all the best and that he recovers as soon as possible," the coach said, adding it is just unfortunate De Bruin's departure was at such short notice.
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He explained that De Bruin departed after the 16-all draw with New Zealand in Wellington last month.
He said they coped without De Bruin for the last two weeks and they are not going to rush into a decision about a possible replacement.
"We will finish this game [against Argentina in Pretoria on Saturday] and during the Bloemfontein week we will look at all our options and make a decision."
"We did manage the Auckland [training camp] week and the week in Argentina without Swys.
"There is a lot to think about.
"I am not quite sure yet. I will have a good think about it."
@rugby365com
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