Andre Esterhuizen denied using the K-word during a 2012 school rugby match, according to a resurfaced report. The Springbok – who captained the squad in their loss to the Wallabies over the weekend – has come under fire for not publicly addressing the racial slur incident.
SA Rugby have also declined to comment.
ANDRE ESTERHUIZEN DENIED USING K-WORD IN RESURFACED REPORT
In 2012, Adriaan Andre Esterhuizen, a Matric learner at Klerksdorp High School, was accused of calling Thabo Molete, the coach of the Potchefstroom Gymnasium, a “f**king k*****” during a rugby match spat.
The then 18-year-old was found guilty of misconduct and was handed a year’s ban, which later became a six-month suspension, provided he underwent a life skills course.
As a result, he missed participation in Craven Week.
Five years later, Andre – now playing for the Sharks – spoke out about the incident.
The player – nicknamed “The Hybrid”- stated that the incident took place when a fight broke out on the pitch during a match between his school and Potchefstroom Gymnasium.
He claims players and spectators began hurling insults at each other. Andre was accused of using the K-word, with the coach of the rival team threatening to “sue” him.
He said, “I wondered how they could prove it was me. I didn’t shout it. Quite a few of the spectators and other players did. Even the referees supported me.”
Nevertheless, Andre Esterhuizen underwent a disciplinary hearing and was suspended.
He continued: “I considered quitting playing, but I missed rugby too much and realised I still really loved the game”.
He would make his Springbok debut a year later in a test match against Wales.
SA RUGBY SNUBS INCIDENT
In a media briefing over the weekend, SA Rugby snubbed questions from journalists relating to Andre Esterhuizen’s 2012 incident.
Media Manager Zeena Isaacs said, “Guys, just in advance, we are not dealing with the issue of the articles that are going around on social media and all sorts of things, so can I ask that you please stick to the game and ensure that all questions are game-related as opposed to all those other news articles that are going on around in South Africa.
She added, “So please respect that”.
Nevertheless, Andre was asked about the incident, but he did not answer as Isaacs stepped in to intervene.
On social media, the Springboks has come under fire for not addressing the incident.
SPRINGBOK PR STEPPED IN REAL QUICK WHEN THE QUESTIONS GOT UNCOMFORTABLE 👀🇿🇦
A reporter asked Andre Esterhuizen about past racial abuse of a Black coach… and got shut down.
If we’re going to move forward, surely we can ask what happened? 💀💀#Springboks #AUSvRSA pic.twitter.com/LjJZmU7QJx— ScrumAtMe Rugby (@ScrumAtMe_Rugby) September 27, 2026
