Springbok rugby coach Peter de Villiers on Monday denied media reports that suggested he will be conducting himself according to 'strict' guidelines as laid down by his bosses.

De Villiers refused to reveal the details about his meeting with South African Rugby Union officials last week, when he was rated - for his performances - by the ruling body.

"Nobody told me what I may do and what I may not do," De Villiers told a media gathering in Bloemfontein on Monday, as the Boks stepped up preparations for their opening match of the Tri-Nations - against the All Blacks.

"The rating is according to me a personal matter," he continued, adding: "If anyone wants to find something out about it they can call SA Rugby, but for me it's a personal matter."

De Villiers was reported to have been told by Saru bosses not to bring religious and political views into his comments with the media.

"The assessment committee advised Peter to refrain from statements involving the Bible and to generally be more careful about what he says," Saru President Oregan Hoskins told both the Sunday Times and Rapport newspapers at the weekend.

"We explained where he could have used a different approach. One example was the statement about the mechanic when he tried to defend Ricky Januarie's selection.

"We made it clear the media wasn't there to fight with him and that they just report what they see and hear. We spent almost a day with Peter and had quite a productive meeting. I think he can put the exercise to good use," Hoskins added.

De Villiers did, however, receive a good mark after being assessed by Saru.

"It doesn't matter how good or bad I am," he said.

"If I can do the job to the best of my ability that's all that matters to me."

  • Should we expect more mutterings from Div? Comments below!