Sanzar dismisses charge against De Villiers

A misconduct charge against Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has been dismissed, Sanzar said on Tuesday.

De Villiers appeared before a South Africa New Zealand Australia Rugby (Sanzar) hearing on Friday.

“A claim of alleged misconduct against Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has been dismissed by Sanzar judicial officer Jannie Lubbe, SC,” Sanzar said in a statement.

“Mr Lubbe heard the case on Friday, August 6, 2010 and after considering the evidence, decided that, on balance of probability, Mr De Villiers had not breached the Sanzar code of conduct.”

The charge related to comments De Villiers made during the Tri-Nations Cup—in which the Springboks were yet to win a match—on Australia’s Fox Sports Rugby Club programme on July 21.

In the interview, De Villiers reportedly 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 that they can
attract more people next year.”

Sanzar said in the statement: “Mr Lubbe stated that during his interview with Fox Sports, Mr De Villiers never mentioned or referred to referees or match fixing.

“As the judicial process has concluded, Sanzar will not be making any further comment on the issue.” - Sapa