The possible resolution to SuperSport's race row could make for epic television
According to a media release issued by SuperSport, the trio - Ashwin Willemse, Naas Botha and Nick Mallet - kissed and made up ... almost - report Rugby365.
The trio was locked in "robust discussions" for most of the day, Tuesday, with SuperSport CEO Gideon Khobane and MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela.
According to Khobane and Mawela, there was "no racism" at play when Willemse walked out of the studio at the weekend.
Willemse, a celebrated Springbok, dramatically removed his microphone and walked off, live on air, while having been afforded an opportunity to air his opinion after the Super Rugby encounter between the Lions and Brumbies in Johannesburg at the weekend.
The dramatic scenes, caught on camera, show Willemse storm out of their studio, despite being live on air.
Willemse - who won 19 caps for the Springboks - spoke to camera regarding how he was perceived as a "quota player" during his playing days and that he refused to be 'patronised' - before dramatically walking off the set.
His grievance appeared to be directed at fellow pundits Nick Mallett and Naas Botha - who he referred to as "apartheid era" players. The incident has elicited strong reactions, with heavy racial undertones.
"What is encouraging with the discussions, we've had, is that Nick [Mallet], Naas [Botha], and also Ashwin [Willemse], were part of the discussions," Mawela told a media briefing.
"They were all in the same room; they were courteous to each other; they shook hands; they openly [chatted].
"There is no animosity that exists between the three of them from what we could see today," Mawela added.
The SuperSport CEO, Khobane, said they did not intend sweeping anything under the carpet and would instead deal with the issue fairly.
"This has become a national issue. We at SuperSport and MultiChoice treat this issue with all the seriousness it deserves," he said. "We've had very robust discussions today from 7 o'clock this morning with all the role players involved. We recognise that we need further engagements," he added.
"We are positive that this was not a racially motivated issue because all parties were very courteous during our discussions that started this morning‚" Khobane said.
In a media release, it was revealed that the trio will all three resume duties. It is basically 'business as usual'.
"There was a significant move in the parties finding common ground," the statement said. "This is merely the first stage of the process to address the issues raised by the weekend’s events."
This could make for some fantastic and incredibly awkward television.
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It’s a good, timely wake up call for NZ Rugby (seem to be a few of them lately!) - sort out the bureaucratic nonsense at board level. We can’t expect to stay the number one option without keeping fans/players engaged. We’ve obviously been bleeding players to league for years but can’t let the floodgates open (although I think this headline is hyperbolic as it’s a result of a recent Warriors pathways system where they are tracking things more closely) Understand the need to focus boys on rugby if they’re at a proud rugby school too, don’t think it’s harsh at all re Barakat in Hamilton. Reward the committed players with squad positions. An elite 1st XV system in NZ has done more for league than they even realise, think it’s good to protect our game further.
Go to commentsDon’t pay a blind bit of notice to Lukie… he likes the sound of his own voice and is always looking for something controversial to say. He has been banging on about Leinster's defensive system all season like he knows something Jacques Nienebar doesn’t. Which is the reason why he didn’t apply for the job obviously
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