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Cape Town - Springbok second-rower Eben Etzebeth has spoken with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) following an alleged racial assault.
Etzebeth is eager to clear his name after the complaint from a member of public stated that he racially and physically abused a man last Sunday.
The alleged incident took place in Langebaan when the Springbok star was part of a group of friends and family at a bar in the West Coast town in the early hours of the morning.
The SAHRC confirmed the meeting with Etzebeth, who was recently included in South Africa’s 31-man squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
“The purpose of the meeting was to advise the player of the role the HRC takes in relation to a complaint received, as well as the subsequent media reports relating to it, and to establish a commitment of cooperation between the two parties,” they said in a statement.
“Both parties expressed their satisfaction with the envisaged process going forward and concluded by describing the meeting as constructive.
“The player denied any wrongdoing to the HRC and has pledged his full co-operation in the matter.”
Etzebeth released a statement shortly after the alleged incident surfaced denying his involvement, with SAHRC’s investigation now set to be crucial to his reputation ahead of the tournament.
“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,” he revealed on Sunday.
“I am and will always strive to be a true ambassador to this beautiful rainbow nation and the sport that I love.”
SA Rugby issued a media statement in the early hours of Friday, stating:
SA Rugby confirmed that Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth met with the Human Rights Commission (HRC) in Johannesburg on Thursday afternoon.
The purpose of the meeting was to advise the player of the role the HRC takes in relation to a complaint received, as well as the subsequent media reports relating to it, and to establish a commitment of cooperation between the two parties.
Both parties expressed their satisfaction with the envisaged process going forward and concluded by describing the meeting as constructive. The player denied any wrongdoing to the HRC and has pledged his full cooperation in the matter.
