/ 24 March 1999

DALTON FACING ASSAULT CHARGES

SPRINGBOK James Dalton faces assault charges following a fracas in a Johannesburg health club in which a staff member was injured, newspaper reports said Wednesday. Health club employee Bruce Johnson (27) laid charges of assault against Dalton following the incident. An unnamed police source told The Star newspaper that Johnson had a number of facial injuries, including a cut lip. He also lost a tooth. A statement issued by the upmarket club said: “An argument took place between the two parties. This was quickly resolved and the rugby player subsequently left the club.” The chief executive of the South African Rugby Football Union, Rian Oberholzer, said that if true, the allegations would be viewed in a serious light.