SA Rugby President Mark Alexander has issued a scathing condemnation of a bullying incident at Milnerton High School that went viral on social media this week, revealing that one of the alleged perpetrators has represented South Africa at national schools rugby level.
The disturbing video, which circulated widely across social media platforms, shows a learner being assaulted by a group of fellow students in what appears to be a coordinated attack.
“This type of behaviour has no place in society and would never be tolerated in a rugby environment,” Alexander said in a statement released by SA Rugby today.
The revelation that a national schools rugby representative was allegedly involved has prompted SA Rugby to distance itself from the incident while reinforcing the sport’s core values.
“It is unfortunate and unfair that a schoolyard incident has been linked to our sport, but we take this opportunity to underline rugby’s values,” Alexander explained. “Our sport teaches discipline, humility and empathy – values that are foundational to a child’s development and to the spirit of our sport.”
Alexander made it clear that SA Rugby maintains a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, regardless of a player’s status or achievements.
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“Individuals who engage in bullying are not welcome in our sport, which prides itself on respect and integrity, regardless of its physical nature,” he stated.
The SA Rugby president issued a direct warning to aspiring rugby players: “I urge all young men and women aspiring to build a future in rugby to heed this warning: bullying is totally unacceptable.”
While expressing willingness to collaborate with educational institutions on behavioral issues, Alexander acknowledged that the matter falls outside SA Rugby’s direct jurisdiction.
“We would have welcomed the opportunity to work with the school regarding this unacceptable behaviour, but the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the education department,” he said.
Alexander expressed confidence that both Milnerton High School and the Western Cape Education Department would “take the sternest possible view once all the facts have been established.”
The incident has reignited discussions about bullying in South African schools and the responsibility of sporting bodies to uphold values both on and off the field.
