Racism row hits Springboks

South Africa, who face England in the pool stages of the Rugby World Cup in Australia next month, are struggling to contain the racism row that threatens to overshadow their preparations.

The row centres on the actions of lock Geo Cronje, who was omitted from the Springbok World Cup squad at the weekend in the wake of allegations he had breached protocol at a training camp in Pretoria.

Cronje was cleared on a charge of racism, which was levelled at him after he allegedly refused to share a room with coloured Western Province lock Quinton Davids at the training camp. Now Springbok media liaison officer Mark Keohane has resigned, insisting there were real problems that needed to be addressed within the camp.

"Given the events of the past week I have no alternative but to sever my ties with the Springboks and SA rugby," said Keohane, who had held the job since 2001.

His move follows a South African Rugby Football Union statement which said there was no "conclusive evidence" that Cronje's actions were based on racism.

"My decision to resign is a conscience and moral one because I can no longer be part of a squad in which prejudice is tolerated, wished away and excused," added Keohane.