South African Rugby Union president Mark Alexander has issued a powerful statement following the circulation of a video showing a Milnerton High School pupil being brutally attacked by several classmates, one of whom reportedly represented South Africa in schools rugby. The footage has drawn widespread outrage and renewed calls for accountability and stronger action to address school violence.

Rugby Leader Denounces School Violence

Alexander described the assault as both shocking and indefensible, expressing deep concern over the level of aggression displayed in the video.

“This type of behaviour has no place in society and would never be tolerated in a rugby environment,”

he said, as reported by *SA Rugby Mag*.

He emphasised that such incidents stand in stark contrast to the values the sport promotes, and warned that they undermine the principles on which rugby is built.

Upholding The Spirit Of Rugby

The SA Rugby president expressed disappointment that the incident had been linked to rugby in any way, insisting that the sport is founded on values that promote growth and respect.

“It is unfortunate and unfair that a schoolyard incident has been linked to our sport, but we take this opportunity to underline rugby’s values. Our sport teaches discipline, humility and empathy, values that are foundational to a child’s development and to the spirit of our sport,”

Alexander said.

He added that rugby, as a national institution, expects its young players to embody these principles on and off the field.

Call For Accountability And Action

Alexander reiterated that SA Rugby has no formal authority over the matter but expressed confidence in the education authorities to take the necessary steps.

“We would have welcomed the opportunity to work with the school regarding this unacceptable behaviour, but the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the education department. I am confident that both the school and the department will take the sternest possible view once all the facts have been established,”

he explained.

His comments reflect growing public concern about violence among pupils and the perceived lack of accountability within schools.

Bullying Has No Place In Rugby

Reaffirming rugby’s zero-tolerance stance on bullying, Alexander made it clear that such conduct is incompatible with the sport’s ethos.

“Individuals who engage in bullying are not welcome in our sport, which prides itself on respect and integrity, regardless of its physical nature. I urge all young men and women aspiring to build a future in rugby to heed this warning: bullying is totally unacceptable,”

he stated firmly.

Widespread Outcry On Social Media

The video of the assault has triggered widespread anger online, with users demanding justice and urging both the school and the education department to act decisively. Many parents and educators have echoed Alexander’s call for values-driven discipline and early intervention to curb violence in schools.

As the investigation continues, the incident has reignited national debate over how best to instil respect and empathy in young people, both within sport and the broader community.