Controversial loose forward Luke Watson has declared that he will never again play for a team that has the Springbok as its emblem.

Speaking to the media, after his disciplinary hearing at the South African Rugby Union in Cape Town on Tuesday was dismissed on a technicality, Watson said he would be available to play for South Africa again, but only under an emblem that represents "the entire country".

Although the case against Watson was dismissed on Tuesday, after the South African Rugby Union failed to show that the presiding officer in the matter had the authority to hear the case in the first place, SARU did not rule out the possibility of a new hearing.

Presiding officer, attorney Nape Dolamo, agreed with Watson's legal counsel, Jeremy Gauntlett and Matthew Blumberg, that his appointment as Judicial Officer was not authorised and dismissed the case after a hearing which lasted just 90 minutes.

However, the contentious issue of Watson's dislike for the Springboks jersey ? one of the issues that landed him in hot water in the first place when he made a speech at the Ubumbo Rugby festival at UCT last month ? again surfaced when he addressed the media after the hearing at Newlands.

Watson said would not be prepared to play in a Springbok jersey again, but he also said he would not be moving overseas to further his career.

"I am incredibly passionate about South Africa, as a nation, as a people. I believe we have the potential to rise above all the adversity, as we have done in the past," the loose forward said.

"Fortunately, or unfortunately, I am completely sold on this nation. I never envisage going overseas.

"I would love to play for South Africa again. There can be no bigger honour. This country symbolises hope and it's a privilege to represent this nation," he added.

"In terms of my principles I won't be able to play under the Springbok as national emblem. If there is a national emblem that represents everybody, I will play for South Africa with pride, honour and dignity."

Watson, who gave his first full print and radio interview since being caught in a storm of controversy over his comments, says he bears no grudges and wants no apologies.

"I walked out victorious today," he said. "For me that's good enough.

"I don't want to dwell on the past. I am moving on. Tomorrow is a new mission and a new day. I will start training. I want to live life to the fullest."

Cape Times/Die Burger

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