THE South African Rugby Football Union (SARFU) yesterday endorsed SARFU president Louis Luyt's decision to sack chief executive Edward Griffiths.

A statement issued after a meeting of the executive committee, said Griffiths had created "untenable tension" between Luyt and the executive "by ignoring the committee structures of SARFU."

It did not elaborate on the tension or the causes, but added "After a full and frank discussion on the issue, the executive committee unanimously endorsed the decision to dismiss Mr Griffiths as consultant of SARFU."

Luyt fired Griffiths earlier this year after he had been in the job 10 months. Griffiths initially fought the decision but backed down after failing to gain support from executive members.

The possible reinstatement of Griffiths, a driving force behind efforts to promote rugby among blacks, has become part of the debate on whether to retain the Springbok emblem for rugby union.

Sports Minister Steve Tshwete said he had discussed the issue with Luyt on Monday, but gave no details.