News

Bok bosses deny blackmail plot

September 06 2008

The South Africa Rugby Union (SARU) has moved to quash reports of a blackmail attempt to influence coach Peter de Villiers and his selection of the Springbok squad.

A report in Saturday's Weekender newspaper claimed De Villiers was the target of a blackmail plot involving an unnamed SARU official who had threatened to release a damaging video of the coach if certain selections were not made.

It is alleged that the plot revolves around footage of De Villiers engaged in activity of a sexual nature in East London earlier this year.

However, SARU issued a statement on Saturday denying the story but admitting that an official would be called to order over "extraordinary claims".

"Peter de Villiers and the South African Rugby Union categorically deny that there have ever been any attempts to blackmail or coerce him over the selection of any player to the national squad, as alleged in a report that appeared in Saturday's Weekender newspaper," the statement said.

"However SARU can confirm that a company employee did approach Mr De Villiers on August 15 in Cape Town. The employee made certain extraordinary claims which SARU has since looked into but has been unable to find any basis to support in fact.

"The employee was advised on August 25 that he would be called to an internal misconduct hearing, the charge sheet for which is still being prepared."

De Villiers has come under pressure recently following South Africa's disappointing performance in the Tri-Nations, although that was lifted somewhat by the 53-8 mauling of Australia in a dead-rubber match in that tournament last weekend.