The Western Province Rugby Football Union has been rocked by accusations of racism prior to the election of a new union president.

Before WP hit the field to battle with the Natal Sharks on Saturday, top rugby officials were in the throes of a different battle.

According to a local newspaper, officials met to discuss the election of a new president after deciding that current president Ronnie Masson be replaced by a black person.

ANC MP and South African Rugby Football Union management member John Ncinane, who was rumoured to have spearheaded the meeting earlier this week, denied it took place.

"I spoke to some members, both black and white, in my private capacity as a rugby lover," he said. He added he had held informal discussions and said his wish was that the next WPRFU president be a black person.

"I can say that I will not be happy if the next president is white."

Masson's term ends on November 23 and candidates are to be nominated between October 19 and November 3.

It is reported that 61-year-old Stellenbosch lawyer Koos Basson may take over the reins from Masson.

"It will be a sad day if they elect that old man... he should be at home kissing his grandchildren," Ncinane said.

Ncinane said Basson was too old, and labelled him a racist. He claimed Basson would erect racial barriers, "dividing the black and white players like fish and chips".

An outraged Basson described Ncinane's allegations as defamatory and "absolute lies".

Basson said he was one of the first white men who took a stand to amend the Sarfu's constitution to allow black people to be elected for executive seats.

"My best friend... is a person of colour... how can this man make these outrageous statements?"

Basson said he was not "a political person" and added he had "absolutely no qualms" if a black person was elected as president.

Ncinane also lashed out at other white rugby officials. "They think that rugby is theirs".

Basson protested, saying: "Sixty percent of the WP representatives in the administration are black. Western Province rugby is ruled by black men." - Sapa