Fleck refused contract

Robbie Fleck, the South African centre, has not been offered a new Springbok contract in an apparent response to his ill-discipline on the field during last month's tour of Europe.

Fleck's over-robust approach was highlighted during the Boks' 53-3 defeat by England at Twickenham and South African officials fear he could be a liability at the World Cup.

The Boks' administrative manager, Butch Watson-Smith, admitted problems with Fleck's discipline led to the decision. "Rudolf Straeuli feels we will be leaving ourselves open at the World Cup if we don't improve our discipline and we will be taking a tough line on players who we feel may prove a liability in terms of discipline," he said.

"My instruction is to not offer Fleck a contract. His contract comes to an end at the end of this month, and unless Rudolf has changed his mind while overseas, he will have to play himself back into the contracted squad next year," Watson-Smith said.

Fleck's centre partner, Butch James, has been given a contract, as has the teamcaptain, Corne Krige, but a full list of contracted players has not been released.