SOUTH AFRICAN CONSULATE
WELLINGTON (NZ)

Gregory Fortuin
Honorary Consul for the Republic of South Africa

Wednesday, 09 July 2008

Dowd’s comments offensive and he should apologise – SA Consul

South African Honorary Consul, Gregory Fortuin has called on Craig Dowd to apologise for calling South African Springbok coach, Pieter de Villiers “a mere puppet”.

Fortuin said “I have the utmost respect for Craig Dowd’s achievements and ability as an All Black prop but find his personal attack on the Springbok coach offensive”.

“By all means have a robust rugby debate and call the coach to account on rugby matters but let’s not degenerate into hurtful diatribe” Fortuin said.

Fortuin said it was up to the South African Rugby Union to defend the coach’s rugby credentials which included both club and international age-grade success. My issue is the denigration of the person and the slight on one of the most influential positions to nationbuilding in South Africa”.

“I know Pieter as a fierce competitor who is totally committed to winning as well as his passion in providing equal opportunity for all” Fortuin said. “I find the “mere Puppet” comment offensive, not just towards Mr De Villiers and the Springboks but to everything it represents.

ENDS

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