SARU to investigate Watson

The South Africa Rugby Union announced on Monday night that it has set up a judicial investigation into comments Springbok flanker Luke Watson is alleged to have made.

Reports at the weekend carried comments, attributed to Watson, but apparently made during a private function where the player is alleged to have criticised the manner in which SA Rugby is run.

A statement from SA Rugby on Monday night revealed an investigation would be conducted into the alleged comments and, if proved Watson said them, whether they constituted a breach of the governing body's code of conduct. If that is the case a disciplinary hearing would ensue.

"Following discussions with Judge Lex Mpati, the chairman of the National Judicial Committee of the South African Rugby Union, a designated official has been appointed to investigate statements alleged to have been made by Springbok and Western Province loose-forward Luke Watson," a statement from SA Rugby said.

"Durban attorney Dekker Govender has been tasked with investigating the allegations and weighing the evidence to determine if they merit a breach of the South African Rugby Union code of conduct.

"If a breach is identified the player will face a disciplinary hearing."

Watson has responded angrily to the reports describing them as 'malicious propagandistic attacks' while also revealing he planned to take legal action after his comments are alleged to have been taped without his permission.

Speaking via his father, Cheeky, to Die Burger newspaper, Watson said: "These vindictive and malicious propagandistic attacks are meant to divert debate."

"It was a private conversation. It seems it was illegally taped and distributed. I reserve the right to take legal steps.

"I believe my human rights have been compromised and I have already contacted lawyers."