'Cape Crusaders' cause new row

The Stormers have condemned the behaviour of a section of the crowd at Newlands, which caused a number of unpleasant incidents at their team's loss to the Crusaders at the weekend.

This follows the incidents in which a group of local spectators, known as the Cape Crusaders because of their support for the New Zealand franchise, hurled abuse at the Stormers players.

Veteran Stormers and Springbok wing Bryan Habana took to the social network Twitter to slam the spectators.

"I highly doubt there's any place in the world where you get booed off your bus, at your home stadium, by your 'fellow' countrymen," an agitated Habana said.

He then followed that with a few more tweets.

"If I had the money I would happily buy all these 'Cape Crusaders' a one way ticket to Christchurch!!

"And yet there are so many amazing, passionate, faithful supporters at Newlands!! We really appreciate your support!!!"

WP Rugby, the parent body of the Stormers, said in a statement they were aware that there were incidents of poor behaviour from within certain quarters of the Newlands crowd.

Rob Wagner, WP Rugby's Managing Director, said: "We would like to apologise to any members of the crowd who were inconvenienced in any way on Saturday.

"We will never condone bad behaviour from anyone in the crowd at Newlands.

"There seems to be a history of incidents when the Stormers and the Crusaders play at Newlands and we are already in conversation with all role-players to ensure that we do not have a repeat of this in the future."

The statement concluded that full investigation is taking place to ensure that Newlands remains an enjoyable rugby venue for all members of the rugby-watching public.