Cats growl about 'racism'

2005-03-15 08:50

Liam del Carme

Johannesburg - Waratahs centre Nathan Grey could be in trouble because of racist slurs he allegedly made against the Cats in their Super 12 game at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The South African Rugby Union (Saru) plans to investigate allegations that Grey insulted Cats winger Chumani Booi.

Saru could even file a complaint with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) over the incident.

Cats fullback Conrad Jantjes said Grey insulted Booi early in the game. "Within the first five minutes, there was an up and under on Chumani. When he went to ground, I was part of the ruck and I heard Nathan say to Booi: 'Leave the ball you stinking black c***.

"I was totally shocked.

"I don't want to say for one minute that guys do not make rude remarks on the field, but that was a bit over the top.

"When we are on tour, we have to behave impeccably because anything can be used against us there," Jantjes said.

Written complaint

The Cats recently complained about the Bulls' spicy language as well after their Super 12 game at Ellis Park, but what was said then can apparently not be compared to Grey's comments.

"And even if we think it's not so bad, what must a guy like Lote Tuqiri think if a team-mate of his speaks like that," Jantjes said.

Johan Prinsloo, Saru's chief executive, said action could be taken against Grey only if the Cats filed a written complaint.

Cats team manager Mac Hendricks said Sanzar rules and regulations did not make provision for incidents like this one.

"We are very unhappy, but we have to follow a procedure. We cannot complain to Sanzar, because you cannot go to the match commissioner with such a complaint."

Because of their travel arrangements, the Waratahs were not available for comment. They are playing against the Stormers in Sydney on Saturday.

- Beeld