SANZAR 'invites' Hoskins to talk; Rugby 365

SANZAR has tactfully sidestepped the latest attack on their integrity, telling South African Rugby Union President Oregan Hoskins to "follow the proper channels" if he has grievances.

Hoskins, in a report published in a weekend newspaper, launched a scathing attack on SANZAR, the organisation that controls Southern Hemisphere competitions - Super Rugby and the Rugby championship.

The SARU boss took aim at what he regards as "the inconsistency of recent rulings at disciplinary tribunals" and also targeted SANZAR Chief Executive Greg Peters.

However, the SANZAR boss remained mum on the matter.

Instead a spokesperson said Hoskins is welcome to contact them to raise his concerns.

"Hoskins is aware of the correct channels to air his concerns," a SANZAR spokesperson told rugby365.

"He [Hoskins] is certainly welcome to use them should he wish to receive clarification on these matters."

According to the report in the City Press newspaper Hoskins was incensed by what he believed to be the unfair handling of cases involving South African players compared with their New Zealand and Australian counterparts.

He referred to the recent harsh bans handed to Bismarck du Plessis (four weeks), Frans Steyn (five weeks) and Jean Deysel (seven weeks)  while similar offences by Kiwi and Aussie players received more lenient treatment.

Hoskins said he "had enough" and was at his "wits end".

Hoskins said he had called a meeting with key figures in judicial and disciplinary structures, where he intended to make his dissatisfaction known.

These figures included Justice Lex Mpati, head of both SARU and SANZAR judicial committees, head of referees André Watson and citing commissioner Freek Burger.

"I'm so incensed, absolutely frustrated, and the public is outraged," Hoskins told the City Press.

"I was a judicial officer; I was a citing commissioner, I know the drill.

"I studied the laws; wrote the exams; it's not like I'm standing in judgement as a layman," added an angry Hoskins.

By Jan de Koning