Pote's sideline slap to be investigated
REACTION: Major League Rugby is to investigate the deplorable incident between a South African coach and his American rival at the weekend.
South African coach Gerhard Human, affectionately known as Pote, became involved in an altercation with a rival during the MLR Round 10 encounter between the Houston Sabercats and New York Ironworkers – won 34-27 by the SaberCats.
“The league office is investigating an incident that took place on the sideline during the match between New York and Houston on April 23,” a statement from the MLR said.
“Upon completion of the investigation, the league will take any necessary action in line with our competition and behaviour regulations.”
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The league office is investigating an incident that took place on the sideline during the match between New York and Houston on April 23rd, 2023. Upon completion of the investigation, the league will take any necessary action in line with our competition and behavior regulations. pic.twitter.com/Mlw4SWOTe9
— Major League Rugby (@usmlr) April 24, 2023
It has been speculated that Human, who coach Sabercats, was incensed by New York’s Head of High-Performance coach Ollie Richardson taunting Houston’s players during a water break.
The altercation instigated a massive brawl with both Human and Ricardson being ejected from the game.
The real reason for the outburst has yet to be confirmed.
However, the duo could find themselves in heaps of trouble and faces lengthy suspensions.
Human, who played 200-odd first-class games for Eastern Province and Free State, was involved in the coaching structures of a number of South African teams after his retirement – including the Griffons, Bulls, Black Rams (Japan), Griquas and the SaberCats.
