Bok lock Eben Etzebeth has reiterated his innocence in relation to an alleged assault in Langebaan on the eve of the World Cup.

In court papers filed in October, Etzebeth sought to provide his account of events after being dogged by allegations that he was involved in an unsavoury incident just before the Springboks left for the World Cup in Japan.

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Etzebeth would go on to win the World Cup with South Africa, and has since joined French club Toulon.

After recently making his debut for the club, he touched on the incident in an interview with respected publication Midi Olympique.

‘Firstly, and this is what I explained to the legal authorities, it’s completely false. I was at the place where the incident occurred and I did nothing wrong. I said nothing. I’ve always been someone who loves people.

‘It’s unfortunate, but the people who took it out on me are accusing the wrong person. I think that they have other motives because it’s false. We’ll see what happens in the future, but the truth will end up coming out.’

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Etzebeth said he was grateful that Bok coach Rassie Erasmus had believed in his version of events before departing for Japan.

‘Fortunately, he believes in his players and trusted me. He knew that I had been honest with him and that I would never have done what they accuse me of, not least a few days from the World Cup.’

Photo: Steve Haag Sports