SA Rugby president Mark Alexander has congratulated Rassie Erasmus after the Presidency awarded him the National Order of Ikhamanga in Gold on Tuesday.

The Order recognises South African citizens who have excelled in sport, arts, culture, literature, music, and journalism. The Presidency cited Erasmus's "inspirational leadership in national and international rugby that has propelled the Springboks to repeated Rugby World Cup championships," adding that his achievements have "advanced social cohesion among South Africans and raised the nation's esteem in the international community."

Alexander said the honour was "a fitting recognition of his outstanding contribution to rugby and to the promotion of social cohesion in our country," adding that Erasmus's leadership had "left an indelible mark on the sport and on our nation."