The South African Rugby Union is happy with the explanation given by star lock Eben Etzebeth following an incident in Langebaan on Saturday night.
Etzebeth on Sunday denied allegations through social media that he had physically or racially abused members from the public after a clear showdown at a bar in the West Coast town.
Sports news reported that Etzebeth was accompanied by his brother Ryen, cousin Emile and several other family and friends at Die Watergat pub on Saturday night and that a fight had broken out with another group of people.
That was reportedly followed by another incident later in a Langebaan street, where a man was injured.
SA Rugby released a statement on Monday, in which they said that they had spoken to Etzebeth ahead of the Springbok World Cup squad announcement at 3 pm.
“The South African Rugby Union is a law-abiding member of South African society and has no tolerance of acts of violence or racial abuse.
“We will co-operate with the authorities in any way necessary. Our Rugby World Cup squad will have no place for anyone who transgresses those principles.
“But we also trust our people to act responsibly and tell the truth. We have spoken to Eben, and he categorically denies any physical or racial abuse on his part, as has been alleged in social media.
“He is a member of the Springbok squad and will remain so unless police authorities require our reconsideration.”
Etzebeth said on Facebook: “It is completely untrue and unfounded to claim that I physically or racially abused anyone in Langebaan, as has been reported on social media. Multiple witnesses can corroborate that.
“I am and will always strive to be a true ambassador to this beautiful rainbow nation and the sport that I love.”
“It is completely untrue and unfounded to claim that I physically or racially abused anyone in Langebaan as has been reported on social media. Multiple witnesses can corroborate that.
I am and will always strive to be a true ambassador to this beautiful rainbow nation and the sport that I love.”
