Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has turned to the High Court in a bid to prevent an alleged racist assault case from going to the Equality Court.

Etzebeth and his group of friends are accused of assault and racial abuse during a night out in Langebaan in the Western Cape, a few days before the Springboks’ World Cup squad announcement in August.

The South African Human Rights Commission has confirmed that legal proceedings will be pursued in the Equality Court in relation to assault allegations involving Etzebeth.

ALSO READ: ‘Etzebeth innocent until proven guilty’

Etzebeth has strongly refuted the claims, while SA Rugby has repeatedly stated that the lock would remain with the Springboks unless the police require reconsideration. But it now appears that Etzebeth’s lawyers want to stop the case from reaching the court.

SAHRC chairperson Bongani Majola confirmed on Monday that the commission has been served by Etzebeth’s lawyers. According to the papers that were lodged, Etzebeth wants the Gauteng High Court to review the decision to take the matter involving the so-called Langebaan Four to the Equality Court.

‘We have received their papers. They were served on our legal services unit in the morning. I just got them. It’s quite a thick document, so I won’t be able to give you comment now,’ Majola said.

ALSO READS: We want Etzebeth to play at RWC – SAHRC

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