Bok coach shocked by sex claims

2008-09-07 08:08

Rudolph Lake, De Jongh Borchard

Johannesburg - Springbok coach Peter de Villiers said he wondered if it was worth it to stay on as coach after a South African Rugby Union (Saru) employee involved him in an alleged sex video scandal.

The alleged video apparently contains scenes in which De Villiers has sex with a young woman.

The Bok coach was allegedly blackmailed with the video to select one Springbok player for inclusion in the team over another.

De Villiers on Saturday denied the existence of such a sex video and said he was innocent. He also denied that he had been blackmailed to choose a player for the Bok team.

Personal attack

"The people who are spreading these stories, are targeting me personally.

"It is very bad for my family. The Bok coaching position is temporary, but your family and children are forever.

"I don't know if it is worth it to go on with my job if my family will suffer as a result.

"What is next? How do I sit in church tomorrow when these things are printed in the newspapers?" asked De Villiers.

Saru on Saturday issued a statement in which it and De Villiers denied that the coach had been blackmailed regarding team choices.

De Villiers said he had first heard of the sex video allegations some time ago. He said he was informed of them by Chris Hewitt, a Saru media spokesperson.

Hewitt is meanwhile facing disciplinary steps regarding the video as well as other accusations regarding his behaviour as former Bok spokesperson.

Rugby chief Oregon Hoskins said he was aware of the allegations and rumours. He said he had spoken with De Villiers about the situation several weeks ago when it first came out.

Hoskins backed De Villiers and questioned the existence of such a video as well as allegations that the coach had been blackmailed.

- Rapport