CAPE TOWN - Thelo Wakefield, president of the Western Province Rugby Football Union, says the union will do everything in their power to “get to the bottom” of violent incidents that took place at a club rugby match at the weekend.
Altercations reportedly broke out before a Super League B game between Villager and Violets at Chukker Road in Kenwyn and, according to a statement released by WPRFU yesterday, the union has requested detailed reports from both clubs.
According to reports at the weekend two players, from Villager and Violets respectively, were admitted to hospital after sustaining injuries from physical confrontations. Other acts allegedly also included spitting, headbutting and verbal taunts.
In the press release, Wakefield said these type of incidents need to be dealt with in the appropriate manner.
“We take such incidents very seriously and will ensure we do everything in our power to get to the bottom of the situation.”
“We cannot allow any sort of unsporting conduct to infect our proud club culture and our priority is to ensure the safety and security of our players, officials and supporters at all times,” he said.
President of Villager, Bossie Clarke, says club officials have already submitted their reports.
“We submitted our end of the stick (on Tuesday),” Clarke said.
“There are two statements from the captain and vice-captain and there are eight supporting statements from second team players. I haven’t received any notification that the documents were received, maybe they’re (WPRU) still processing it.”
Clarke also added that a disciplinary hearing was scheduled to take place, and to his understanding, the hearing will take place on Thursday.
“I do not know who they are going to request to be at disciplinary hearing, but I understand Thursday is D-day for Western Province (Rugby Union).”
The weekend’s incidents are another taint on the Western Cape club rugby landscape, after the WPRFU earlier this year had to step in and address reported cases of verbal and even physical abuse towards referees.