Saru fires referees boss André Watson
The problems between André Watson and senior referees in South Africa eventually led to Watson's dismissal as Saru's referee boss.
The SA Rugby Union (Saru) and its general manager referees André Watson have parted ways.
This was the effect of an arbitration award issued by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), the union said on Friday.
At the beginning of this year, a number of people within the referees’ department lodged a grievance against Watson and Saru commissioned an independent investigation into the grievance.
As a result of the findings, the CCMA was requested to consider certain allegations relating to Watson.
Contrary to some earlier reports, the allegations did not relate to racism, financial irregularities, misappropriation or match fixing.
The grievance was about the relationship between Watson and a number of people within the referees’ department and in turn the impact of such a relationship on Saru.
The CCMA found the allegations against Watson had been proved. As a consequence, it found that the employment of Watson with Saru should be terminated. The CCMA’s finding was final and binding on Saru and Watson.
Saru CEO Jurie Roux said this had been a difficult period for Saru – both for match officials who were involved in the process and for Watson.
“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,” said Roux.
“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.”
Roux said that it was important for South African match officials to work in a harmonious environment and he would address them collectively on the future of their department.
The management and operations of the referees’ department would meanwhile be handled by Saru’s rugby department.
Roux said that he would make no further comment on the matter out of respect for André Watson’s contribution to rugby and to allow the fraternity to focus on the future after a difficult and trying period.
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