SA Rugby manager Andy Marinos has dismissed reports of racism towards Springbok coach Peter de Villiers © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Peter De Villiers | Andy Marinos

Tournaments/Tours: British and Irish Lions tour

Teams: South Africa

SA Rugby has concluded an investigation into recent allegations that South Africa coach Peter de Villiers was racially abused in his absence at a meeting of Eastern Cape rugby officials. South African newspaper Sondag alleged that Eastern Cape chief Cheeky Watson, the father of controversial Stormers No.8 Luke, had referred to de Villiers as "a baboon who does not know what he is doing", but these claims have been dismissed as "spurious" by SA Rugby's acting manager Andy Marinos.

The incident was reported to have taken place at an EP Legends meeting in Port Elizabeth on December 10 2008, with the issue of Springbok fixtures apparently having caused the outburst.

"We immediately launched an internal investigation into the allegations and interviewed some of the suggested role players," said Marinos. "I understand that a newspaper was provided with written confirmation of the allegation but what we have is minutes of the meeting as well as a letter from an organisation of Rugby Legends who were present and from other individuals who attended who all concur that neither the subject of Peter de Villiers nor Springbok fixtures were even discussed in the meeting.

"The original incident is alleged to have taken place on December 10 and we would have expected to hear about it about on the 11th," said Marinos. "For the allegations to emerge almost four months later seems unusual. In the absence of a formal complaint or new information substantiating the allegations, SA Rugby can do no more than consider the matter closed."

De Villiers sent a letter to SA Rugby through his lawyers following the story, and Marinos confirmed that he has spoken with the coach following his concerns.

"I have met and had discussions at length with Peter about the story and brought him up to date with our inquiries," said Marinos. "The timing of this incident makes me wonder if this is not just another attempt to drag his name into controversy at a time when he is preparing for the South Africa 2009 Lions Series. This is a spurious story and has appeared only because it allows the Springbok coach's name to be placed in a headline."