Hendrik Cronjé

Bloemfontein – According to the Springbok coach, fullback Frans Steyn withdrew from next Saturday’s Test against Wales by e-mail two weeks ago.

“It is true that he sent me an SMS this week, but he did not say in it that he wanted to withdraw. His agent, Gerrie Swart, sent me an e-mail on behalf of Frans two weeks ago in which he indicated that he did not want to play for the Boks,” De Villiers told keo.co.za.

De Villiers wants to hear first hand from Steyn at Friday’s emergency meeting in Johannesburg whether he wants to “play or not”.

The Bok coach confirmed poor communication between himself and Steyn and hopes that the truth will come out at the meeting.

“I have not heard from Frans since he joined Racing Metro after last year’s Test against the All Blacks in Hamilton. He tried to get hold of me. We tried to call back, but were unsuccessful after a number of attempts,” said De Villiers.

“But I don’t think I should have phoned Frans to find out whether he was available for the Boks. I did not phone John Smit or Victor Matfield. No player gets preferential treatment.”

De Villiers said that the convenor of selectors, Peter Jooste, had arranged Friday’s meeting.

The coach said that there was no problem between him and Steyn. Rather, there is a problem between him and Swart.

South African Rugby Union (SARU) president Oregan Hoskins also denied that there were problems between De Villiers and Steyn. He dismissed reports of the problems as “nonsense”.

“The coach would never pick a player with whom he has had a fall-out,” Hoskins told Eyewitness News.

Hoskins said that no player who played his rugby overseas would decline the opportunity of wearing the Bok jersey.

Meanwhile, Arthob Petersen announced his resignation as Springbok manager.

While SARU have not yet made any announcement on Petersen, he confirmed his resignation due to health reasons to Stephen Nell.

“I had three stents inserted in my heart in November and my cardiologist strongly advised  me to call it a day. He feels it’s better not to travel so much,” said Petersen.

“I have already informed Johan Prinsloo (SARU chief executive) and also left a lengthy message on the president’s (Hoskins) phone to thank him for all the opportunities.

Petersen has not been able to get hold of De Villiers to inform him of his resignation.