News

Cheetahs let off the hook

October 03 2008

The Free State Cheetahs' Currie Cup semi-final aspirations have been kept alive following the decision not to dock any points following a player breach last weekend.

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) confirmed the outcome of its judicial hearing relating to complaints by the Eagles Rugby (Pty) Ltd and Western Province Rugby, that the Griffons and the Free State Cheetahs fielded ineligible players in the Currie Cup First Division and Currie Cup Premier Division respectively.

In interpreting the contents of Regulation 7.5, the appointed Judicial Officer Dekker Govender ruled that he was satisfied there had been no breach in this respect by either the Griffons or the Free State Cheetahs.

Earlier this week SARU received a complaint from the Eagles complaining that utility back Hennie Daniller played for the Cheetahs against the Falcons last Friday and the Griffons against the Eagles the following day.

The Eagles complained that as a result of the above mentioned player movement, that there had been a breach of Regulation 7.5, which deals with the loaning of players and prohibits a player who has appeared on loan for one province from participating in another match in the same competition for his home province.

Western Province (facing a must-win clash against the Lions to make the Currie Cup semi-finals) also lodged a complaint against the Free State Cheetahs emanating out of the same incident, including players Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Hendrik Meyer, Jandre Blom and Ashley Johnson.

On perusing the content of Regulation 7.5, the Judicial Officer ruled that he is satisfied that although the players mentioned played for both provinces during 2008 season thus far, neither province participated in the same competition.

The Cheetahs were at all material times participating in the Currie Cup Premier Division whereas the Griffons were playing in the Currie Cup First Division.