Racism blamed for rugby players death

By Tarryn Le Chat

Suspicions have arisen around the death of 24-year-old Riaan Loots, a Rawsonville rugby player, after a racism face off between rugby players of Delicious and Rawsonville Rugby Clubs turned ugly. Loots was declared brain dead at Worcester Medi-Clinic on Saturday. His death came as a result of an alleged assault during the match. DP Spangenberg, Chairperson of the Rawsonville rugby team, claims that Loots was allegedly punched and as he fell was kicked against the head. According to Bennie Leendertz, Chairperson of the Delicious rugby club, his players were provoked and taunted by players of the opposing rugby team who used racial slur. Leendertz alleges that a player of the Rawsonville team said to a player of the Delicious team, "Luister hier, hotnootjie. Ek gaan vir jou donner (Listen here, hotnootjie. I'm going to beat you up)." Leendertz would like to see the Rawsonville team face suspension with immediate effect as both teams were involved in the fight. Investigations are now underway on Loots' death and the Delicious rugby team is suspended with immediate effect.

Picture: www.bgs.qld.edu.au