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By Heinz Schenk

Journalist


Convicted Mongalo slapped on the wrist, but keeps his job

The Lions defence coach, found guilty of indecent assault in Australia last month, concluded his internal disciplinary hearing on Thursday.


Embattled Lions assistant coach Joey Mongalo has managed to keep his job.

The 34-year-old, found guilty of indecent assault by an Australian court last month, hasn’t been with the team for the last two weeks as he had been recalled to face an internal disciplinary hearing, which was chaired by an independent arbiter.

The union on Thursday confirmed in a media statement that the process is concluded and found that Mongalo, who’s the side’s defence coach, “breached Company Policy, by bringing the Company’s name into disrepute”.

ALSO READ: Mongalo sentenced for sexual harrassment as Lions’ problems mount

As a result, the Lions “decided to proceed with the recommended sanction handed down by the independent labour consultant, which includes corrective disciplinary action and compulsory ethical and professional management training”.

However, the hearing found no grounds for Mongalo’s potential dismissal and he’ll recommence his duties from next week Monday.

The Lions have a bye this week.

The union also reiterated that Mongalo will be appealing his conviction in the Australian Magistrate’s Court and “proceeds to do so in his private capacity”.

“The Lions Rugby Company considers the (internal disciplinary) matter as having been finalized,” the statement said,

“It will not make any further comments regarding this matter.”

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