The South Africa Rugby Union (SARU) denied Saturday a report claiming national coach Peter de Villiers was the victim of sex blackmail.

A Johannesburg newspaper said an unnamed rugby official and a Bok squad member threatened to release a video allegedly showing De Villiers involved in sexual activities if the player was dropped.

"Peter de Villiers and SARU categorically deny there has been any attempts to blackmail or coerce him over the selection of any player to the national squad," a SARU statement said.

"SARU can confirm that a company employee did approach De Villiers on August 15 in Cape Town. The employee made certain extraordinary claims which SARU looked into but has been unable to find any basis to support in fact.

"The employee was advised on August 25 that he would be called to an internal misconduct hearing, the charge sheet for which is still being prepared."

De Villiers became the first black coach of the Springboks this year and fared modestly in the Tri-Nations championship, winning just two of six Tests against New Zealand and Australia.

AFP

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