'Convicted murderer must be out of rugby'

Parliament's Portfolio Committee wants controversial Pumas hooker Gert Van Schalkwyk suspended from playing rugby pending the outcome of his appeal. Van Schalkwyk is one of the Waterkloof four.

They were found guilty and convicted of murdering a homeless man seven years ago. Puma’s bosses were hauled before parliament today to explain their decision to select a convicted murderer.

After consulting legal advisors, the committee chair threw the book at the Pumas. Mentz said as the rugby union, they regarded the hooker as innocent until he had exhausted his legal recourse.

But the committee is not convinced. It wants the Pumas to apologise to the nation for playing Van Schalkwyk in the recent Vodacom Cup.