Lions coach Leon Boshoff was fired on Wednesday after a disciplinary hearing found him guilty of verbally abusing his players.
The disciplinary hearing at the offices of the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) found Boshoff guilty of using abusive language on his players.
He made the remarks in the aftermath of a 56-18 drubbing the Lions received against the Stormers 10 days ago.
The hearing also concluded that allegations that Boshoff was racially abusive to black members of the team could not be substantiated.
Boshoff and the GLRU agreed that the forward coach be relieved of his contractual obligations with immediate effect ”in the interests of the GLRU and the team”.
The full GLRU media release reads as follows: ”A disciplinary hearing regarding the charges against Mr Leon Boshoff relating to the alleged racial remarks and abusive language was conducted at the offices of the Golden Lions Rugby Union on Wednesday, March 25 2009.
”The outcome of the enquiry is as follows:
1. After thorough investigation, the allegations of racial remarks could not be substantiated, and Mr Boshoff was subsequently found not guilty.
2. Regarding the charge of abusive language, Mr Boshoff was found guilty and was issued with a written warning.
”In the best interest of the Golden Lions Rugby Union and the team, both parties have agreed to relieve Mr Boshoff with immediate effect from his contractual obligations, and will not be making use of his services.
”The Golden Lions Rugby Union now consider the matter closed, and will not comment further.” — Sapa