Reports that up to half of the current Springbok squad are ready to withdraw from the year-end tour to England, Wales and Scotland — should controversial flank Luke Watson be chosen — have been dismissed as devoid of all truth.

The Afrikaans Sunday newspaper, Sondag said that this threat was made to SA Rugby and Springbok coach Peter de Villiers this past week, after Watson's controversial comments about the Springbok jersey and Afrikaans-speaking people.

However, on Monday SA Rugby dismissed this report as "completely untrue".

"I met Peter de Villiers [Springbok coach] and John Smit [Springbok captain] on Friday [last week, 17 October] and also had a meeting with SARPA [the South African Rugby Players’ Association]," Andy Marinos, acting managing director of SA Rugby, said.

"But these were scheduled operational meetings and at no time were any verbal or written threats made regarding selection.

"All the speculation is utterly groundless."

According to the Sondag article, players in Durban, Gauteng and Cape Town had confirmed to the newspaper that they were ready to withdraw if Watson was picked.

Senior players were so upset by the comments, and Watson's influence on the team that they asked captain John Smit to deliver the message to Springbok coach Peter de Villiers in their meeting last Friday.

What do you think; should the Bok players withdraw if Watson is picked? What should happen to Watson, if anything? Leave a comment below!

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