DAVID SHAPSHAK, Johannesburg | Friday 6.00pm.
WAYWARD Springbok hooker James Dalton, whose absence from practise this week and failure to contact his province could reportedly cost him his lucrative contract with the Golden Lions, was spotted drinking this week at a bar outside Johannesburg.
He spent two hours at Squires, next to the Hartbeesport Dam, with Kaizer Chiefs soccer player Mark Batchelor on Wednesday afternoon, the bar’s manager confirmed on Friday.
Dalton, who has not played in the Super 12 this season because of injury, is being sought by Lions president Jomo King, who said disciplinary action would be taken against the fiery hooker.
“He is a highly paid player and we don’t expect someone of his stature to behave in such a manner, ” King told a Johannesburg newspaper.
Lions coach Laurie Mains said Dalton had agreed to train but has not showed up — which might jeopardise his chances of playing for the Boks.
National Coach Nick Mallett this week said the hooker, who was red-carded during the 1995 World Cup, must play Super 12 rugby to make it back into the Springbok side.