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SA Rugby address Etzebeth allegations


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The South African Rugby Union has issued a response to allegations surrounding second-row Eben Etzebeth.

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The Springbok international has been accused of assaulting and racially abusing a homeless man over the weekend.

Videos circulating on social media appeared to show Etzebeth getting involved in an exchange outside a pub in the seaside town on Langebaan, near Cape Town.

SA Rugby have confirmed that they will assist authorities with any potential investigation, but for now, Etzebeth’s place in their World Cup squad is not under threat.

“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,” the statement read.

“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.

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“He is a member of the Springbok squad and will remain so unless police authorities require our reconsideration.”

Alleged Footage from incident

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Phantom 1 hour ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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