Union boss charged over Bok emblem comments made at memorial service

Eastern Province Rugby Union President Maasdorp Cannon has been charged by the South African Rugby Union (SARU).

A SARU spokesman told rugby365com, that Canon has been slapped with seven charges following his comments against the SA Rugby leadership and the Springbok emblem during the memorial service of former prop Godfrey Thorne in February.

Cannon told the mourners during his eulogy to Thorn that the South African Rugby establishment and Springboks emblem are still very much racist.

“Stand up in the name of Godfrey, stand up. My plea is that we must turn the South African rugby landscape upside down,” Cannon was quoted as saying by City Press.

“I did not come back to support the South African rugby establishment, because it is still very much racist.

He added: “I know there are people who are happy to support the apartheid emblem, the racist emblem – the Springbok.

“My argument is, that emblem is equal to that flag that was waved when we made a compromise in 1995. It has the same expression; it’s racist.”

The comments did not sit well with SA Rugby and consequently, Cannon will have to explain his actions in front of SARU.

Cannon’s charges include contravening the SARU Constitution and Code of Conduct.

Commenting on the charges, the outspoken Cannon revealed to Netwerk24 on Friday, that he looks forward to the discussion with SARU.

He admitted that he does not understand the charges and would really like to seek clarity.

“It is widely known that there are charges against me and at this moment I can’t say too much,” Cannon told Netwerk24.

“However I can say I do not understand the charges. I would like to ask SARU for more clarity on the case.”

Cannon also stated he wants the case to be handled swiftly so that he can focus on his new role as EPRU President.

He was elected as President of the EPRU at the start of this month.