Final whistle for top rugby ref ’s career after CCMA hearing

JOBURG: The South African Rugby Union (Saru) has confirmed the general manager of referees, André Watson, has left its employ in line with a recommendation by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

At the beginning of the year, a number of people in the referees’ department filed a grievance against Watson, and Saru commissioned an independent investigation.

As a result of the findings, the CCMA was asked to consider certain allegations relating to Watson.

Contrary to earlier reports, the allegations dealt with by the CCMA did not relate to racism, financial irregularities, misappropriation or match-fixing, but to the relationship between Watson and a number of people in the referees’ department and the effect of such relationship on Saru.

The CCMA found the allegations levelled against Watson had been proved and his employment with Saru should be terminated.

The CCMA’s finding is final and binding on Saru and Watson.

“The CCMA process has been concluded and the CCMA commissioner has issued a finding that is final and binding on Saru and Watson,” said Jurie Roux, chief executive of Saru.

“This has been an unfortunate and difficult period for Saru – for our match officials who were involved in the process – and, of course, for André Watson personally and professionally.

“We took the grievance seriously and have followed a thorough, independent process which culminated in Saru parting ways with André Watson. It was a difficult process, but nonetheless a necessary one.

“We will move on from here and my wish is that André is remembered for his contribution to match officiating and not for the circumstances relating to his departure from Saru.

“He has been a major figure in world refereeing for a number of decades and has been part of developing South African referees into some of the best in the world.”

Roux said it was important that South African match officials operated in a harmonious environment. He would speak to them collectively about the future of their department.

The department would, in the meanwhile, be handled by Saru’s rugby department.

Roux said that out of respect for Watson’s contribution to rugby, he would make no further comment and allow the frater nity to focus on the future.