South Africa
Andre Watson sacked as SARU referees boss
ESPN Staff
July 4, 2015
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Former leading Test referee Andre Watson has been sacked as the South African Rugby Union (SARU) General Manager of Referees after an internal investigation.

SARU commenced the investigation after a number of complaints were filed against Watson which, contrary to reports, did not involve allegations of racism, financial irregularities or match-fixing; but his relationships with other staff.

The investigation found that the allegations against Watson were in fact true and hence saw fit that his employment be terminated.

"The CCMA process has been concluded and the CCMA Commissioner has issued a finding which is final and binding on SARU and Watson," SARU chief executive Jurie Roux said. "This has been an unfortunate and difficult period for SARU - both for our match officials who were involved in the process - and, of course, for André Watson personally and professionally.

"We took the grievance seriously and have followed a thorough, independent process which culminated in SARU parting ways with André Watson. It was a difficult process but nonetheless a necessary one.

"We will move on from here and my wish is that André is remembered for his contribution to match officiating and not for the circumstances relating to his departure from SARU. He has been a major figure in world refereeing for a number of decades and has been part of developing South African referees into some of the best in the world."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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