Ashwin incident ‘reflected poorly on rugby’

SA Rugby says the incident involving Ashwin Willemse on Saturday night is a SuperSport matter.

Willemse walked off the SuperSport set during a live discussion with Nick Mallett and Naas Botha after the Lions’ win against the Brumbies. He accused the duo of undermining him.

WATCH: Willemse walks off SuperSport set

‘We were as surprised and concerned as the rest of the rugby community by Saturday evening’s incident on SuperSport,’ read an SA Rugby statement on Monday.

‘It would not be fair to make snap judgements. However, something was clearly amiss and it reflected poorly on rugby. This is a SuperSport matter and we have asked to be kept informed on the process of the investigation.’

ALSO READ: Why Ashwin walked off SuperSport set

Meanwhile, SuperSport communications manager Clinton van der Berg told Netwerk24 that the company held ‘preliminary talks’ with Willemse on Sunday and will hold talks with Mallett and Botha on Monday regarding the incident.

He said SuperSport was ‘busy with an investigation to gather all the facts’ but ‘views the incident in a serious manner’.

SuperSport will also seek legal advice regarding the contractual obligations of the three rugby analysts.

ALSO READ: Suspend Mallett, Naas – Sports minister