Peter de Villiers hits back: 'I don't know what people hope to achieve by spreading such lies'

Former Springboks coach Peter de Villiers has hit back after being overlooked for the Southern Kings head coach role, supposedly due to not having the required qualifications.

Afrikaans newspaper Rapport suggested that de Villers was not in contention for the role due to not possessing a Level 3 coaching certificate. This is despite the fact that de Villiers was head coach of the South African side for four years.

Subsequent proof has emerged to suggest that de Villiers completed his acquired his Level 3 credentials in 1996 through the Welsh Rugby Union.

When asked about the false rumours surrounding his qualifications, de Villiers said "I don’t know what people hope to achieve by spreading such lies, because the adjudicating committee have proof of my qualifications including my International Leve 3 coaching qualification."

De Villiers said that he trusts the process and believes the adjudicating committee will be fair and impartial and will not allow rumours and lies to influence their decision.

Former president of SA Rugby Oregan Hoskins has also come to de Villiers’ defence.

Hoskins states in a certified affidavit "Peter became head coach of the Springboks because a technical committee headed by professor Ferreira thoroughly investigated and scrutinized his qualifications."

De Villiers  achieved a 62% success rate with the Springboks. His last act was to take South Africa to a quarter-final finish at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. His predecessor Jake White helped earn the Springboks the title in 2007 whilst Heyneke Meyer, his successor, coached the side to third place.

De Villiers has come under much scrutiny throughout his career due to his outspoken nature. Earlier this year, de Villiers was sacked from his role as head coach of Zimbabwe, ostensibly due to taking unauthorised leave.