Eben Etzebeth

Springbok 2019 Rugby World Cup winner Eben Etzebeth. Photo: Adrian DENNIS / AFP

Eben Etzebeth: SA Rugby open internal probe into racism claims

With legal action hanging over Eben Etzebeth’s head SA Rugby have opened their own internal probe into allegations of racism made against the lock.

Eben Etzebeth

Springbok 2019 Rugby World Cup winner Eben Etzebeth. Photo: Adrian DENNIS / AFP

SA Rugby have opened an internal investigation into allegations that Eben Etzebeth racially abused a homeless man in Langebaan.

The rugby administrative body announced the probe on the heels of the news that the South African Human Rights Commission would bring charges against the Springbok lock.

SA Rugby will co-operate with Eben Etzebeth investigation

SA Rugby reaffirmed their commitment to co-operating with authorities on Thursday 3 October.

“SA Rugby reaffirms its commitment as a good corporate citizen to abide by any requirements placed on it or its employees by South African authorities,” A statement issued by SA Rugby on the Etzebeth matter read.

“We have fulfilled all requests to date and will continue to do so as and when advised.

“Following our discussions with the South African Human Rights Commission, we have instituted an internal process to address the matter, the details of which remain an employment matter between SA Rugby and the player.”

Serious allegations against the Bok

The complaint to the SAHRC alleges that the 72-cap Springbok insulted, assaulted and pointed a gun at a 42-year-old man in the seaside town in August.

Etzebeth was still named in the Springboks World Cup squad just days after the allegations surfaced and was interviewed by the SAHRC before he left for Japan.

The lock continues to deny any wrongdoing, firmly asserting that he has witnesses who will corroborate his story.

The SAHRC said they would be meeting with the complainant on Thursday. The Commission will also hold meetings to provide feedback and hear from members of the Langebaan community.

Buang Jones, acting head of legal serves at SAHRC, told AFP: “We will definitely ask for monetary compensation. We will ask for a public apology. We will ask for the criminal prosecution of Mr Etzebeth. We will ask for community service and other forms of relief.

“The community are demanding justice,” said Jones.

Eben Etzebeth’s future unclear

The Commission has made allegations of investigatory bias against the South African Police Service member who investigated the case initially, concluding no criminal charges should be brought against Etzebeth.

At this stage, Etzebeth is set to remain with the Springbok squad in Japan, depending on how quickly the Equality Court moves he may be allowed to finish the tournament before answering the charges against him.

The Springboks face Italy on Friday in their third Rugby World Cup Pool B match with Etzebeth named as the starting lock alongside Lood de Jager.