Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett has denied that he is the "spy" who allegedly supplied videotapes of Springbok tactical movements to the French rugby side and helped them analyse them.

According to a report in Die Burger, strong rumours are doing the rounds that video footage filmed at the Springbok training camp at Plettenberg Bay found their way to the French camp, who surprised South Africa 32-23 in the first of their two Tests last month and drew the two-Test series.

According to the newspaper questions are being asked about Mallett's role before the first Test. He was seen at the French training sessions at Hamiltons Rugby Club in Cape Town and had discussions with coach Bernard Laporte and also with captain Fabien Galthie.

Sarfu chief executive Rian Oberholzer said he was aware of the rumours. "I heard the rumour and am waiting for more information. There is no official investigation," he told Die Burger.

Mallett vehemently denied the reports. "A load of rubbish - that's all I can say about it. I will not deny that I've visited the French in Cape Town and also in Durban, but it was courtesy visits because I previously worked with some of the officials and players during the nine years I've coached in France. Fabien Galthie played for me at False Bay," said Mallett.

The outspoken coach was axed as national coach last year and Harry Viljoen took over. He said it would not have been too difficult for the French to obtain video footage of the Boks, but emphasised he had nothing to do with it.

Mallett added the only attempt to get information from him came from the Springbok camp. "Jake White (Springbok assistant coach) phoned me the Friday before the first Test and asked whether I had any information about the French because most of the players were unknown to them," Mallett was quoted in Die Burger.

"I couldn't help him and told him the Boks should beat this team by at least 20 points. It is out of the question that I would betray my country in such a manner."

The rumour apparently originated in France. Laporte allegedly bragged about it in a Paris restaurant belonging to a South African, former France forward Dries van Heerden.

Springbok coach Viljoen said he was aware of the rumour, but dismissed it as untrue.