Sharks owner has New York lawyers on standby to defend Rassie Erasmus

Masotti is one of America’s leading lawyers in alternative asset management and an undisputed marvel on Wall Street.

He has now put a team of lawyers on standby to defend Erasmus.

Erasmus is facing a disciplinary hearing after being charged with misconduct by World Rugby.

A viral video in which Erasmus criticised match officials following their conduct in the first Test match between the Springboks and British and Irish Lions has left many hot under the collar.

The international rugby body has also indicated that it would start with a review process of its code of conduct. SA Rugby has noted the charge adding it would not comment further until the hearing against its director has been finalised.

Masotti believes Erasmus should put up a fight.

ALSO READ: Springboks' Erasmus to face misconduct hearing over ref video

“I have a team of New York lawyers ready to take care of Rassie and SA Rugby. Let us put World Rugby on trial,” tweeted the 52-year-old.

Masotti, raised in Amanzimtoti in KwaZulu-Natal, has a deep passion for rugby.

His company, the MVM Holdings consortium, bought the controlling interest (51%) in the Sharks franchise.

Masotti is also a partner at Paul Weiss, a massive US private equity and hedge fund firm.

Although New York has been his home, South Africa remains very dear to him.