RUGBY NATIONS:SOUTH AFRICA coach Peter de Villiers will learn his fate next week after judgement was reserved in his SANZAR misconduct hearing yesterday.

SANZAR judicial officer Jannie Lubbe heard the case, which relates to comments made by De Villiers on Australias Fox Sports ‘Rugby Club’ programme on July 21st, at the offices of the South African Rugby Union (SARU).

“The judicial officer advised us that he is going to consider his judgement and let us know by the latest beginning of next week,” acting SARU managing director Andy Marinos told reporters.

De Villiers suggested that New Zealand were being given preferential treatment by referees because that country is hosting the 2011 World Cup. The coach later said he had been misinterpreted. De Villiers has frequently courted controversy since taking over from World Cup-winning coach Jake White in 2008, notably in the 2009 series against the British Irish Lions when he appeared to condone foul play committed by Springbok flanker Schalk Burger.