Kempson 'cleared' in Bermuda saga

Robbie Kempson, a former Springbok prop, has escaped facing 'assault' charges in Bermuda - after he was arrested by police over an incident in a match at the World Rugby Classic.

Stefan Terblanche, the CEO of the South Africa Rugby Legends Association, confirmed to this website that the prosecutor had declined to proceed with the case.

According to media reports from Bermuda Kempson ran into the back of 34-year-old American flyhalf Leif Gibson in an off-the-ball incident.

The Americans, through US team manager Tim Kluempers, made a huge song-and-dance of the incident, suggesting that Gibson "may never play again" as a result of the injury - even though he was up and walking around again.

The American player was taken from the field on a stretcher, taken to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment and is reportedly still in a neck brace. He has returned home to the US for further treatment.

Kempson was arrested because Gibson and the American team management laid charges after the incident - which occurred around 15 minutes into the match at the National Stadium in Devonshire.

"All charges have been dropped," Terblanche told this website, adding: "The prosecutor felt there was no case to be made.

"Rugby is a contact sport and injuries occur.

"It is a huge relief to us all," the Legends boss added.

Terblanche said it is still uncertain if Kempson will be cleared to play in the Final, even though he was not cited or charged by the organisers of the tournament.

South Africa beat Argentina  17-7 in Wednesday's semifinal, to advance to the Final - where they will meet either the Classic Lions or Australia, who face off in the other semifinal on Thursday.

"We are working on getting him cleared for the Final, as he has been cleared on all charges by the authorities in Bermuda and was not cited," Terblanche told the website.

South Africa, who beat the US 43-10 in the first round of fixtures in which the incident occurred, include other high profile players like Percy Montgomery, De Wet Barry, Bob Skinstad, AJ Venter, Werner Greeff, Egon Seconds, Kennedy Tsimba, Pieter Muller and Lucas Biljon.

By Jan de Koning