This past weekend, Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth was accused of being involved in an attack on a man outside of popular Langebaan pub, ‘Die Watergat’, with allegations that racist remarks were also made during the assault.

Etzebeth, who arrived on Saturday night with around 12-15 people, including family members, has denied any and all wrongdoing.

The woman who made the accusations, Yorayda Papier-Jansen, did so in a Facebook post that contained graphic images of a man lying prone on the floor, with blood visible.

We now know that the man on the floor was Enver Blaauw (pictured below later in the week), with this from News24:

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has informed Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth it is investigating allegations that he racially abused a man at a pub in Langebaan, Cape Town, over the weekend, its commissioner in the Western Cape, Chris Nissen…

Sammy Claassen, a community leader from the West Coast, laid the complaint with the commission.

Grant Simon/Facebook

“Etzebeth has been informed that a thorough investigation into his alleged remarks will be conducted, and the statements he made to the police will be needed,” Nissen [said].

According to the report, Etzebeth and the CEO of MyPlayers (the players’ representative body), Eugene Henning, were at the SAHRC’s Johannesburg office on Thursday afternoon for a telecon with its office in the Western Cape.

For those who haven’t seen the video filmed on the night, which some claim shows Etzebeth’s involvement, here it is.

IOL confirms that Eben was at the SAHRC offices yesterday, quoting coach Rassie Erasmus as saying that “they are there in discussions at the HRC on exactly what the claim is. But there is no police or any other thing that we’ve heard.”

That bit about the police might not be on the money, though:

The police, though, told the Cape Times earlier on Thursday that the matter was still being investigated.

“This office can confirm that a case of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm was registered for investigation at Langebaan SAPS,” police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said.

“The mentioned person is not yet exonerated by the police as the case is still under investigation.”

Following the SAHRC meeting new breaking, SA Rugby released a statement earlier this morning. Quotes below via SA Rugby Mag:

‘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.’

Not really the kind of thing you need hanging over a player, and the team, as they prepare to head to Japan for the Rugby World Cup.

South Africa’s opening game is against the All Blacks on Saturday, September 21, with kick-off at 11:45AM South African time.

[sources:news24&iol&sarugbymag]