Griquas boot All Black fan

BACKING the All Blacks is not grounds for dismissal.

This is according to Deon Carney, the former Griqua rugby player and high school coach, who was removed from the list of candidates to take charge of one of the 2018 provincial youth week teams on the weekend, following complaints that he was an avid supporter of New Zealand’s national rugby team.

While the Griqualand West Rugby Union (GWRU) has defended its decision as a “patriotic act”, Carney, along with fellow coaching candidate and All Black supporter, Joe Molale, is demanding a thorough explanation over the union’s decision, which they believe has nothing to do with their ability to get the most out their teams and players.

In an exclusive interview yesterday, Carney said that he was still trying to come to terms with his dismissal, saying that it had come without prior incident or warning and after many years of loyal service to Griquas.

“On Friday afternoon we were having trials for the Griqua schools when I received a message from the union to inform me that I was to have a meeting with president Jannie Louw at 8am on Saturday morning,” Carney said. “I contacted the assistant coach of the academy team, who informed me that he underway, and asked if I could stay and assist with the team selection in order to ensure that my school players are given a fair chance at making the sides. I was told that I may not and was asked to leave the field.

“When I approached my legal representative and asked for advice, he actually laughed and thought I was joking.

“I was advised to expose the matter in the media.”

Meanwhile, Louw emphasised yesterday afternoon that the duo had not been officially appointed to the team yet and he defended the union’s decision, stating that these measures had been motivated by patriotism.

“Our country needs more patriots and Griquas have decided to offer Saru our unwavering support,” he said. “Everyone has the right to choose who they support but that doesn’t entitle anyone to misuse our structures for their personal benefit.

“No employer would tolerate staff members coming to work in clothes with a rival company’s branding. New Zealand would never hire school coaches who walk around in Springbok jerseys.”

Louw stated that it would be extremely unfortunate should the two “strong candidates” be lost to South African rugby.

“We hope they come to their senses and are rehabilitated so we can give them another opportunity to be part of Griquas’ school structures,” he said.

“We had a good discussion and if they are willing to commit to supporting the Springboks, we would welcome them back with open arms.”