News

SA Rugby boss issues apology

June 29 2009

South African rugby chiefs have issued a statement apologising for comments following the second Test against the British & Irish Lions which they say appear to give the impression they condoned eye-gouging.

The world champions are still debating whether or not to appeal Schalk urger's eight-week suspension after he was found guilty of "making contact with the face in the eye area" of British and Irish Lions wing Luke Fitzgerald.

Burger's action - during the opening minute of Saturday's 28-25 second Test triumph in Pretoria - warranted only a yellow card from French referee Christophe Berdos.

He is currently suspended, though, until late August, ruling him out of the third Test next weekend and South Africa's opening three Tri-Nations games.

Initially, Springboks coach Peter de Villiers refused to criticise the flanker, but South African rugby union president Oregan Hoskins said: "We would like to apologise to the rugby community for the erroneous impression that acts of foul play are in any way condoned by South African rugby.

"That has never been the case, and is not now, and we support strong actions by rugby authorities when such acts occur."

De Villiers added: "My comments (after the game) on Saturday were based on what I know of Schalk Burger as a player, and not on what occurred.

"It was never my intention to suggest that I condone foul play. That is the last thing I would ever do, and I apologise for creating any other impression."