Noordvaal Cup suspends players after Menlopark-EG Jansen brawl

The Noordvaal Cup organisers have imposed immediate precautionary suspensions on every player and other individual identified as having been actively involved in the brawl that brought the Menlopark-EG Jansen match to an early end.

Association chairman Tinus Diedericks confirmed the decision in a statement released on Wednesday, saying the suspensions would remain in place until the formal disciplinary process had been completed.

“Pending the outcome of the disciplinary process, all players and persons identified as actively involved in the incident have been placed on immediate precautionary suspension,” Diedericks said.

“They may not participate in or attend any remaining competition matches in an official capacity until the matter has been finalised. This suspension is a precautionary measure and does not constitute a finding of guilt.”

The decision applies to those identified as active participants in the incident. It is not a ruling on whether any of the individuals are guilty of misconduct, with the Noordvaal Cup organisers stressing that the disciplinary process must be completed before conclusions are reached.

Both Menlopark and EG Jansen have been instructed to provide comprehensive evidence packages to the association. The submissions must contain official reports, witness accounts, statements from players and any other documentation considered relevant to the investigation.

Formal disciplinary hearings are scheduled to take place during the week beginning 17 August. Once the hearings have concluded, written outcomes will be issued.

The proceedings will be conducted according to the principles of natural justice and the disciplinary regulations of the South African Rugby Union. Those facing allegations will therefore have the opportunity to answer the claims against them, while the disciplinary panel will be expected to reach its decisions on the evidence presented.

Any punishment imposed by the Noordvaal disciplinary panel will not necessarily be final. The South African Rugby Union, also known as SARU, retains the power to review the sanctions and may amend, increase or reduce them in accordance with its own regulations.

Despite the disruption caused by the abandoned fixture, the remainder of the Noordvaal Cup will continue as scheduled while the investigation and disciplinary proceedings take place.

The suspensions follow a match involving Menlopark and EG Jansen that descended into a brawl and could not be completed. A separate report has also covered Menlopark’s rejection of racism claims made after the ugly school rugby clash.

Readers were directed to further schoolboy rugby coverage through School Sports Zone from Nova News, as well as The Rugby Factory.