South African rugby coach may face trouble

South Africa's national rugby coach Peter de Villiers could be in trouble with South African New Zealand Australian Rugby (SANZAR), the body controlling the sport between the world's top three rugby nations.

On Friday several South African media reported that SANZAR has issued a notice of alleged misconduct against the coach following comments he made on Australia's Fox Sports "Rugby Club" program on July 21.

On the show De Villiers claimed the New Zealand All Blacks' two recent Tri-Nations victories over the South African Springboks were part of a conspiracy aimed at generating support before next year's Rugby World Cup tournament, which will be held in New Zealand.

In a television interview, De Villiers said: "I've got my own observations about the last two Tests, and I can't say it in public, but we do have a World Cup in New Zealand next year, and maybe it was the right thing for them to win the games so they can attract more people to the tournament next year."

After discussing the matter with De Villiers on his return to South Africa after last weekend's Tri-Nations match against Australia in Brisbane, South African rugby has now provided a response.

SANZAR Chief Executive Steve Tew told the South African Press Association(SAPA): "Having considered the response from South Africa we have determined that Peter de Villiers's comments may constitute a breach of the SANZAR Code of Conduct and warrant further consideration by a SANZAR judicial officer."

A SANZAR appointed judicial officer will conduct a hearing in the next week with details to be advised.

On Thursday, the South African Rugby Union (SARU) issued a press release noting the allegation of misconduct brought by SANZAR, and saying they will make no further comment until the judicial process has run its course.

Source: Xinhua