Menlopark rejects racism allegations after abandoned school rugby match

The fallout from the abandoned Noordvaal Cup match between Menlopark and Dr EG Jansen has deepened, with the two schools offering sharply contrasting accounts of the violence that brought the game to an early end.

The fixture at Menlopark’s fields on Saturday, 1 August 2026, was stopped with the home side leading 36-5 after a mass brawl involving parents and learners.

Both school principals have condemned the violence, while Menlopark’s governing body has strongly rejected allegations that racist abuse was directed at Dr EG Jansen players.

Menlopark principal Kobus Hartman said the behaviour of adults and schoolchildren near the pitch was unacceptable.

“The violent conduct of persons (adults and schoolchildren) alongside the rugby field on Saturday, 1 August 2026, is strongly condemned by the management and governing body of Menlopark High School,” Hartman said.

He praised Menlopark’s first-team players and coaching staff for not becoming involved in the confrontation.

“I am proud of our first team and their coaches. Their conduct in walking away from the situation and not becoming involved testifies to maturity and character.”

Hartman also backed the investigation being conducted by Noordvaal Schools Rugby. He said the process should be allowed to establish what happened using evidence rather than speculation.

“Menlopark High School welcomes this step and trusts that a factual and transparent process, supported by reports and video material, will provide an accurate reflection of how events unfolded.”

He urged members of the school community not to make unverified claims on social media while the inquiry continues.

Van Aswegen, the principal of Dr EG Jansen, also condemned the conduct of anyone involved in the incident and said the school would deal with misconduct under its disciplinary rules.

“Hoerskool Dr. E.G. Jansen does not condone the conduct of any person or learner involved in the incident during the rugby match against Hoerskool Menlopark, nor does the school attempt to justify or excuse any such conduct,” he said.

“The school is committed to addressing any improper conduct in terms of the school’s code of conduct. Violence, racism, or any other form of unacceptable behaviour does not align with the school’s values, discipline and principles.”

According to accounts received by Dr EG Jansen, a group of Menlopark old boys had placed a gazebo behind the Dr EG Jansen try line before the match began. The school said alcohol was allegedly consumed and that several racist remarks were allegedly made towards its players, including use of the K-word.

Van Aswegen said Dr EG Jansen parents complained to a Menlopark teacher about the disruption and requested that the group be moved. The situation allegedly became more serious when one Dr EG Jansen player was pulled over a fence and assaulted, prompting parents to intervene in an attempt to protect their children.

Dr EG Jansen said it had identified the learners allegedly involved and had started internal disciplinary proceedings. A comprehensive report is also being prepared for the Department of Basic Education.

Later on the same day, Menlopark’s school governing body rejected the allegations. Its chairperson, Dr J.D. de Wet, said an independent investigation was already at an advanced stage and that evidence gathered so far did not support claims of racist remarks.

“Die Hoerskool Menlopark has noted with dismay the allegations contained in the press statement issued by Dr. E.G. Jansen regarding the incident,” De Wet said.

“An investigation led by an independent chairperson is at an advanced stage. All evidence considered to date, including statements from neutral match officials, indicates that the allegations of racist remarks are entirely without foundation.”

De Wet also questioned why the allegations had only been made four days after the match.

“It is regrettable that these allegations are only being raised four days after the incident, and it would be extremely damaging if this proves to be a desperate fabrication intended to shift blame.”

He maintained that no Menlopark players, coaches or staff members had taken part in the violence and said the school would submit its final findings to Noordvaal rugby.

The Noordvaal investigation will consider match officials’ reports, video footage and other available evidence. It will examine both the allegations of racist abuse and the claim that a Dr EG Jansen player was assaulted during the confrontation.