Peter de Villiers (File)

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SANZAR wrote to SA Rugby on July 22 in relation to the comments. 

De Villiers claimed the All Blacks' two recent Tri-Nations victories over the Springboks - 32-12 in Auckland and 31-17 in Wellington - were part of a conspiracy aimed at generating support before next year's Rugby World Cup tournament in New Zealand.

De Villiers, who was been highly critical of the refereeing in both the Auckland and Wellington Tests, said in a television interview that: ''I've got my own observations about the last two Tests, and I can't say it in public, but we do have a World Cup in New Zealand next year, and maybe it was the right thing for them to win the games so they can attract more people to the tournament next year.''

Having discussed the matter with De Villiers on his return to South Africa after last weekend's Tri-Nations match against Australia in Brisbane, SA Rugby has now provided a response.

SANZAR Chief Executive Steve Tew said: "Having considered the response from South Africa we have determined that Peter de Villiers's comments may constitute a breach of the SANZAR Code of Conduct and warrant further consideration by a SANZAR Judicial Officer."

A SANZAR appointed Judicial Officer will conduct a hearing in the next week with details to be advised.

The South African Rugby Union (Saru) sent a press release out on Thursday noting the above documented allegation of misconduct brought by SANZAR against Peter de Villiers, and saying they will make no further comment until the judicial process has run its course.

Saru did, however, issue a statement on 23 July in which De Villiers clarified his remarks and categorically denied that he had said the All Blacks were being favoured because New Zealand were going to host the World Cup.

“I have stated many times during the past weeks that the All Blacks were better than us in their victories in Auckland and Wellington. Whilst I have also expressed unhappiness over some refereeing issues, this is a separate matter altogether and has no bearing on what I said.

“My comment during the Rugby Club interview was based on the general view that part of the success of any World Cup event rests on the fact that the host nation has a winning team.

“This view has been misinterpreted and I wish to make it clear that I had no other intention than to make that specific point. Nevertheless, I regret that this may have created the wrong impression and raised undue concern for Sanzar and the RWC 2011 organisers.”