André Watson

Under-fire South African referees boss Andre Watson is set to hear his fate at a disciplinary hearing chaired by an independent arbitrator.

According to reports, the process is likely to be concluded on Wednesday.

Meetings were already held with Watson last month after complaints were laid against the former referee by members of the South African Rugby Referees Association (SARRA).

At the heart of the matter was the unhappiness of some SARRA members with Watson’s management over the 11 years that he has been in office.

The Sunday Times newspaper last month reported that a list of grievances was signed by 24 officials.

Some of the grievances were believed to be: verbal abuse, victimisation, Watson’s abrasive management style and financial impropriety.

The newspaper said it was Watson’s fallout with senior referee Rasta Rasivhenge that galvanised the disenchanted. Watson allegedly told Rasivhenge last year: “I’ll f**k you up, I’ll destroy you.”

Rasivhenge has since left South Africa to pursue a refereeing career in Australia.

Watson, 56, was one of South Africa’s most successful referees.

He officiated a record number of finals in the Rugby World Cup (2), Currie Cup (7) and Super Rugby (5).

Sport24