The Springbok rugby management on Sunday refuted a story that appeared in the Sunday newspaper Rapport, which claimed that the team’s logistic manager, Emile Ferris, had been axed for not fulfilling his duties.
In a statement the team management ”distanced itself” from the report.
”The report speculates that Mr Ferris stood down from the position as a result of not having fulfilled certain tasks relating to his area of responsibility. These allegations are completely unfounded.”
They claim that Ferris could not continue in his position because of ”work commitments and pressures and it was with regret that he had to inform the management of his decision.
”Since his appointment earlier this year Mr Ferris had made much progress in putting in place the logistics plan for the forthcoming international season. The team management fully understands and respects Mr Ferris’s decision.”
The statement added that Dr Palty Lekalakala had been unable to take up the post of team doctor, also due to other work commitments.
”Negotiations are currently under way with the Western Province Rugby Union regarding Dr Yusuf Hassan’s availability for the post. Once these negotiations have been successfully concluded, Dr Hassan will join the team in Bloemfontein.
”In the meantime, management wishes to thank Dr Louis Holtzhausen of Free State for assisting the team in a part-time capacity.”
Rapport also stated that the Springbok emblem would be replaced by the Protea in near future and the management team said it was aware of the current position and ”we will take our lead from Sarfu [the South African Rugby Football Union] with regard to its discussions with the South African Sports Commission and National Colours Board and the decisions emanating from these discussions”. — Sapa