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

– Jannie Louw (right)

had received the same instruction. Neither of us had any idea what it was all about.”

The coaching duo arrived at Tafel Lager Park on Saturday morning.

“We waited a while for Danie Slabbert (chairman of Griqua High Schools Rugby) to arrive for the meeting,” Carney continued.

“When he did, the president started talking and said that we had been cut from the team because we supported the All Blacks.”

According to Carney, their dismissal was prompted by a complaint to Griquas from the South African Rugby Union (Saru).

“I lived in New Zealand for three years, which is where I became a fan of the All Blacks and their style of rugby. I’m not going to deny liking the team because I have a right to freedom of choice and to back the side of my preference. I also support the Boks but it really shouldn’t matter as it has nothing to do with

my ability as a coach.

“I asked for an official copy of the correspondence between Griquas and Saru but Louw said that he only has messages on WhatsApp, which he showed me.”

Carney pointed out that he has enjoyed a long and successful career with Griquas, having played for the Province at the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week all the way through to Currie Cup level, before focussing on his work as a coach, where he has enjoyed a fair amount of success.

“I was the assistant coach with the Craven Week team last year, when they managed to win three out of three. I am also coaching Northern Cape High School’s first XV and the school has said that it will support me through this process.

“I returned to the field, where the trials were still