Blue Bulls prop Bees Roux, charged with beating Tshwane Metro Police officer Johannes Mogale to death last week, was granted bail of R100 000 in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers said on Monday his team “supports Bees Roux 100 percent” .
At a press conference in Bloemfontein, De Villiers said: “Nothing must stand in our way between now and the World Cup and the players have to be strong enough to deal with all kinds of psychological issues and domestic circumstances.
“For instance, how will the Bees Roux tragedy affect those who know him well? We must deal with everything that comes our way.”
De Villiers said that the Roux case had been discussed by the players.
“We feel for all South Africans, especially rugby players, and while we do not defend the act (of Roux), we sympathise with the tragedy. It is an unfortunate reality that these things can happen to anybody.
“The team supports Bees 100 percent, not on the deed, but rather on the circumstances that led to the situation developing.”
What are your thoughts about Peter de Villiers’ statement?