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Cape Town - A Griquas rugby player, who reportedly ran over a bowling green in Kimberley carrying the old and new national flags, has been reprimanded.
According to Netwerk24, the incident occurred earlier this month during a Griquas team building session.
The Griqualand West Rugby Union did not disclose the player’s name and considers the matter as being finalised.
A statement issued by the union read:
“After hearing evidence, the committee - consisting of Adv. JG van Niekerk and Adv. Thandisa Tyuthuza - was satisfied that there was proof that the player, although he had no intention to offend, acted in such a manner that it could probably have offended on the basis of race.”
Griquas president Jannie Louw denied rumours that the old flag was shoved into the face of a black player.
Louw said that after obtaining evidence the player was found not guilty of bringing the game into disrepute through his actions.
The player was, however, found guilty of a breach of the World Rugby regulations.
The player was handed a R10 000 fine - of which R5 000 was suspended for five years. He was also banned for four matches, suspended for two years.
Griquas, meanwhile, are hard at work in pre-season as they prepare for the SuperSport Rugby Challenge.
They beat Western Province 40-35 in a warm-up game in Upington last week and will face the SWD Eagles in another friendly in Mossel Bay on Saturday.
The SuperSport Rugby Challenge starts on Saturday, April 21, with Griquas opening their account at home against the Sharks.
Griquas were runners-up in the competition last year, losing 28-19 in the final to WP in Cape Town.
