Springbok coach faces conduct hearing

Springboks rugby coach Peter de Villiers has been issued with a notice of alleged misconduct by Sanzar following comments in made on television last week.

Following his team's second loss in two weeks to the All Blacks, a 17-31 loss in Wellington, de Villiers suggested his team had been victims of a conspiracy to assist New Zealand ahead of next year's World Cup.

De Villiers insinuated the All Blacks were given a leg-up in the Tri-Nations to help swell New Zealand World Cup excitement.

"I've got my own observations about the last two tests, and maybe 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 games next year," he told Fox Sports Rugby Club programme on July 21.

Sanzar wrote to South Africa Rugby the following day in relation to the comments. The union discussed the matter with de Villiers on his return to South Africa after last weekend's Tri-Nations match against Australia,

SA Rugby provided a response to Sanzar, and chief executive Steve Tew said it was decided further consideration by Sanzar was warranted.

"Having considered the response from South Africa, we have determined that Peter de Villiers' 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. Details are to be advised.

- NZPA