Eben Etzebeth during the South African national rugby team arrival press conference at Intercontinental Hotel, OR Tambo Airport on August 12, 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images)
Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth’s place in the World Cup squad, which will be announced later on Monday afternoon, seems to be safe after the South African Rugby Union (Saru) confirmed it has been in communication with him over his alleged involvement in a racial incident at the weekend.
The 27-year-old had previously dismissed the allegations made on social media as “completely untrue and unfounded”.
A video on Facebook has been doing the rounds that supposedly intimates that the 27-year-old, who will be announced in the national team’s World Cup squad on Monday afternoon, assaulted and even pointed a gun at a homeless man in Langebaan.
Following enquires and outcries, Etzebeth posted a statement on the platform, stating: “I am and will always strive to be a true ambassador to this beautiful rainbow nation and the sport that I love”.
He added that “multiple witnesses can corroborate” his innocence.
It’s the exact message he relayed to Saru as well.
“We also trust our people to act responsibly and tell the truth. We have spoken to Eben and he categorically denies any physical or racial abuse on his part as has been alleged in social media,” the governing body said in a statement.
“He is a member of the Springbok squad and will remain so unless police authorities require our reconsideration.”
According to Netwerk24, sgt. Noloyiso Rwexana, provincial police spokesperson, confirmed that two groups were involved in the incident and that more than one individual was taken to hospital.
“The investigating officers have taken statements and no one has been arrested to date,” he said.
Social media users have not accused Etzebeth of actively taking part in the alleged assault, but rather not doing anything to stop the incident.
Saru though also assured all stakeholders that it wouldn’t tolerate improper behaviour from its players.
“The South African Rugby Union is a law abiding member of South African society and has no tolerance of acts of violence or racial abuse. We will co-operate with the authorities in any way necessary. Our Rugby World Cup squad will have no place for anyone who transgresses those principles.”
The video of the alleged incident is here:
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