Rugby: South African school coaches sacked for supporting the All Blacks

Deon Carney in an undated Kimberley Rugby Club jersey. Picture /Supplied.

Two South African rugby coaches have had their careers cut short for supporting the All Blacks.

Deon Carney and Joe Malale had raised the ire of the South African Rugby Union for their avid support of the New Zealand national side.

On Friday, the two were hauled before Griqualand West Rugby Union president Jannie Louw in Kimberley and told they had been cut from the slate of contenders for coaching sides in the South African 2018 provinical youth week.

According to Carney, Louw showed them Whatsapp messages of complaint he had received from SARU. Louw defended his actions by saying the banishment had been motivated by patriotism.

"Our country needs more patriots and Griquas have decided to offer Saru our unwavering support," he told South African news site DFA. "Everyone has the right to choose who they support but that doesn't entitle anyone to misuse our structures for their personal benefit."

Louw also asked Afrikaans news site Netwerk 24 how children could be coached by people who support other countries. "He can't expect us to appoint him if he supports another country."

Carney, who played first grade rugby for Griquas at Currie Cup level, had spent the three years to 2012 in New Zealand playing for the Wellington Lions before returning to South Africa as head of rugby for High School North Cape.

"I lived in New Zealand for three years, which is where I became a fan of the All Blacks and their style of rugby," Carney told DFA.

"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."

Louw later said he hoped the two coaches came to their senses and were rehabilitated.

"If they are willing to commit to supporting the Springboks, we would welcome them back with open arms."

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