Springbok captain Victor Matfield has slammed team-mate Luke Watson for his controversial comments, in which the loose forward launched a bizarre attack on his Bok team-mates, South African rugby, administrators and even the late Danie Craven.

The South African Rugby Union expressed shock on Sunday and called for an urgent meeting to discuss Watson's comments, while Matfield, who captained the Springboks this year, criticised Watson.

At the weekend iafrica.com reported in detail on Watson’s comments (you can read the original story here).

Watson himself has retorted by saying that he believes the reports on his speech are meant to divert attention from debate about issues such as transformation.

Vomiting on the Bok jersey

Apart from his bizarre attack on his Springbok team-mates, Watson claimed he felt so nauseated by wearing the Springbok jersey that he wanted to vomit on it.

Another claim he made was that "the problem with SA rugby is that it is controlled by Dutchmen", whilst Watson also suggested that SA rugby is "rotten to the core" and that "the men who sit on my left and right of me in the change room despise me for who I am".

Watson's comments came at the Ubumbo Rugby Festival at the University of Cape Town Rugby Football Club (UCTRFC) on Friday, 3 October.

"These vindictive and malicious propagandistic attacks are meant to divert debate from the real issues, such as transformation, unity and development," said Cheeky Watson, speaking on behalf of his son, Luke.

According to Cheeky Watson, discussions have been held with lawyers about possible legal steps.

Watson Snr said his son had made the remarks in a private discussion and they had been quoted out of context in the media.

Watson reacts with horror

The Western Province player has reacted with contempt and horror to the latest controversy to which he had been linked.

"It was a private conversation about transformation. It seems it was illegally taped and distributed. I reserve the right to take legal steps," he said in a report in Die Burger newspaper.

"I believe my human rights have been compromised and I have already contacted lawyers."

He also took a swipe at the "elements" that had twisted his words as if they were an attack on Afrikaners.

"Our family fought, historically, against discrimination. How can I possibly be accused of an attitude against Afrikaners?

"Anyone who knows me will reject this libellous attack on me with contempt."

Matfield angered by comments

Meanwhile, Matfield told Morris Gilbert of Beeld newspaper the comments were despicable.

"I was hoping we were past the stage when people were differentiated from one another according to race, culture and language," Matfield told the newspaper.

"If Luke used those words, he shattered the dreams of millions of young South Africans to one day play for the Springboks.

"Luke identified with the code of honour of the Springbok team which says one’s own interest is always subject to that of the team.

"When I was captain (of the Springboks) I did my best to involve Luke in all the activities. I asked him to make an input in video and team sessions and he did not want to."

Saru calls urgent meeting

Meanwhile, Saru has called an urgent meeting on Monday to determine the accuracy of the reports with Watson's contracting union, Western Province, and the University of Cape Town Rugby Club (UCT), where the statements were said to have been made.

"If the reports are accurate this is a very serious matter indeed," said Andy Marinos, SA Rugby’s Manager of National teams and acting Managing Director.

"But we can't pre-judge the matter on the strength of media reports and we can make no definitive statement until we have in our hands what evidence there may be."

Marinos said a further statement would be issued following the meeting with Western Province and UCT.

Meanwhile, lawyers representing the civil rights initiative AfriForum will send a letter to Luke Watson on Monday, demanding that he retract, in writing, his comment that "the problem with SA rugby is that it is controlled by Dutchmen" and that he apologises unreservedly.

If he does not, AfriForum plans to take him to the Equality Court for "hate speech".

  • How do you feel about Luke Watson's comments? Leave a comment below!

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