Latest: Newlands crowd behaviour

Speaking to the history of incidents when the DHL Stormers and the Crusaders play at DHL Newlands, WPRFU President Thelo Wakefield said: “People are of course free to support whichever team they choose, but we do expect mutual respect and decent behaviour.

“Those impacting on others enjoyment of the game will be dealt with and we absolutely will not tolerate blatant taunting, abusive language, hooliganism and general bad behaviour as experienced here this last weekend.”

Wakefield continued: “At an operational level, WP Rugby has already met with key operational event role-players with regard to incidents of poor behaviour from within certain quarters of the DHL Newlands crowd, during Saturday’s Vodacom Super Rugby clash between the DHL Stormers and the Crusaders.

“WP Rugby will implement the operational recommendations tabled and will also engage with role-players like the broadcaster and SANZAR as to other recommendations for any future DHL Stormers v Crusaders fixtures at DHL Newlands.

“At a more strategic level, the WPRFU will carefully investigate and consider options around the hosting of any future DHL Stormers v Crusaders fixtures at DHL Newlands.

“We have one of the most passionate, loyal and knowledgeable supporter bases in rugby union and we will not let any group ruin that. We will ensure that DHL Newlands retains its positioning as one of the most special international grounds to watch rugby.”

* CLICK HERE for WP Rugby’s previous statement on the DHL Newlands crowd behaviour.