Jafta not 'suspended' for three weeks

Referee Jason Jafta and TMO Willie Roos won't feature in the next few weeks of Currie Cup action, but neither official has been suspended.

This website can confirm that even though they will not officiate in any matches in the final rounds of league action, their absence is not that unusual.

Social media has been abuzz with rumours that Jaftha has been suspended for three weeks, apparently as a result of some howlers by the match official during the Sharks' 31-25 win over the Lions at Ellis Park last Friday.

The same people on these social networks also claimed that the TMO, Roos, has been suspended, after some poor performances in recent weeks.

"It is nothing unusual that referees are removed from, or added to, appointments, within our structures," André Watson, the Manager of Referees for the South African Rugby Union, told this website.

Watson explained that some of the appointments were made well in advance, months in some cases.

"However, as we get closer to the business end of the season we have a system of appointing the best referees for the important matches and that will reflect in the appointments for the next few weeks."

While Jafta and Roos' errors may have cost them a place in the list of appointments, it is a far cry from being "suspended".

And while Roos' form may well have cost him a place on the list of appointments, his situation has been complicated by the fact that he is no longer available as a result of another commitment.

"Just like coaches make changes to their teams, we have and will continue to put out the best performing officials."

By Jan de Koning