SA Rugby Football Union medical consultant Dr Ismail Jakoet has responded to a column posted on a prominent South African rugby Internet site regarding the withdrawal of lock Krynauw Otto from the Springbok rugby team.

The report makes several serious and defamatory allegations against the Springbok medical staff.

The article makes accusations of gross professional negligence. In the interests of preserving the integrity of these officials, SARFU wishes to set the record straight, based on factual medical evidence supplied by the Springbok medical staff.

A report provided to me this week by the team physiotherapist, Dr Wayne Diesel, states that on the team's arrival in Plettenberg Bay in May for a training camp, Krynauw Otto complained of neck pain and stiffness, which gave rise to an occasional headache. He was treated conservatively and responded well to treatment. He participated in all training sessions.

Following the second Test against England on June 24, Otto again complained of headaches. At no stage during the match could he recall having sustained a knock to his head. Immediately prior to the team's departure to Australia he reported no further complaints.

In the lead up to the match against Australia, Otto participated in all training sessions without experiencing any problems. However, he did receive physio and chiropractic manipulation for a stiff neck. Following conservative treatment, he reported immediate improvement in range and neck pain.

During the Mandela Challenge match against Australia he received a knock to his head. On-field examination revealed no loss of consciousness, confusion, memory loss or inability to do any of the field-side neurological tests to suggest concussion. After the match his headache returned and he felt fatigued. Dr Frans Verster did a full neurological check-up and sent the player for a brain scan, the results of which were negative.

It is important to note that further history revealed that Otto's father suffers from migraine attacks and his brother, a provincial rugby player, stopped playing rugby due to persistent on-field headaches.