The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has played down a weekend report that Peter de Villiers is part of a company that has acquired shares in a local rugby union - a move that could affect the future of the Springbok coach.
Afrikaans newspaper Rapport claimed the 52-year-old was part of a company called Game Plan, that had bought 50 percent of shares in the Boland Rugby Union.
According to the report, De Villiers had joined singer Kurt Darren, Bulls captain and national vice-captain Victor Matfield, and Paarl businessman Renier Swart in forking out five million rand (€540,000) for a stake in the Cape-based union.
But a SARU statement read: 'Media are advised that Springbok coach Peter de Villiers was approached to become part of a consortium to purchase shares in the Boland Rugby Union. He reported the approach to SARU president, Oregan Hoskins, but no transaction has taken place.
'Hoskins and De Villiers are both overseas at the moment and a meeting will be held to discuss the proposal on their return.'
The Boland Rugby Union comprises some 235 clubs and 15,000 players.
The newspaper also alleged that De Villiers was present at the signing of the deal and claims he has acquired a 10 percent shareholding in the Game Plan company.
