Eben Etzebeth will not be pulled from the World Cup squad, despite allegations of violence and racist abuse against him.
A social media storm erupted this past weekend after it was claimed that Etzebeth assaulted a man in Langebaan, after a video was uploaded onto YouTube.
The Springbok lock has denied any wrongdoing in the incident, writing on his Facebook page: “It is completely untrue and unfounded to claim that I physically or racially abused anyone in Langebaan as has been reported on social media. Multiple witnesses can corroborate that.
“I am and will always strive to be a true ambassador to this beautiful rainbow nation and the sport that I love.”
His employers, the South African Rugby Union, stand by their man and released a statement saying: “The South African Rugby Union is a law-abiding member of South African society and has no tolerance of acts of violence or racial abuse.
“We will co-operate with the authorities in any way necessary.
“Our Rugby World Cup squad will have no place for anyone who transgresses those principles.
“But we also trust our people to act responsibly and tell the truth.
“We have spoken to Eben and he categorically denies any physical or racial abuse on his part as has been alleged in social media.
“He is a member of the Springbok squad and will remain so unless police authorities require our reconsideration.”