Did White trigger assault?

2007-06-10 22:40

Johannesburg - An investigation into allegations that the behaviour of Springbok rugby coach Jake White resulted in an assault on a journalist will be launched on Monday.

Jonathan Stones, managing director of SA Rugby, confirmed on Sunday that the matter would be investigated as soon as possible.

"We will start on Monday and want to complete it as soon as possible. We cannot allow the matter to drag on," Stones said.

"We have a Tri-Nations series starting on Saturday. Therefore the matter must be concluded. We must ensure that it is investigated thoroughly and correctly."

Stones emphasised that the investigation would be aimed at allegations that White's behaviour had led to an alleged assault on a journalist of the Kaapse Son and not at White himself.

The accusations stem from an incident last Thursday night when White allegedly made it clear to the journalist what he thought of him and his newspaper.

According to newspaper reports, White then left the establishment but the journalist was accosted by a third party a little later. The journalist, it was said, received a blow against the ear.

Reports that White could be fired were premature

The newspaper has claimed, in a letter to SA Rugby, that White's behaviour towards the journalist had resulted in the alleged assault.

Stones will be in charge of the investigation even though Christo Ferreira, SA Rugby's manager of rules and regulations, says official investigations are handled by independent parties.

"Usually an attorney or an advocate is appointed. If it is found that action could be taken against the accused party, such a recommendation is made and referred to the chair of SA Rugby's disciplinary committee," Ferreira said on Sunday.

Reports that White could be fired were premature he said. "Depending on the nature of the transgression, the guilty party may be cautioned or suspended. There is, of course, also the option of a fine."

The reports may be viewed as "instigation," he added.

It was reported at the weekend that the incident could be seen as a last straw and may result in White's dismissal as coach of the national team.

White is unpopular with some senior management members of SA Rugby and it is almost a foregone conclusion that his contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of the year.

However, White is still willing to prepare the Springboks for the World Cup tournament to be held in France later this year.

- Beeld