Lions won’t sack defence coach found guilty of indecently assaulting female hotel staffer

Lions defence coach Joey Mongalo will keep his job at the Super Rugby franchise despite being found guilty of indecent assault by an Australian court.

An internal disciplinary process conducted by the South African team has ruled Mongalo will remain a senior member of staff as long as he attends ‘corrective disciplinary action’, as well as ethical and professional management training.

Mongalo was brought in front of an Australian Magistrates’ court earlier this year after being charged with indecent assault following an incident at the team hotel last year.

After the Lions match in Sydney against the Waratahs, Mongalo was accused of indecent activity in a stairwell by a hotel worker.

Mongalo maintains his innocence despite being found guilty and sentenced, which is yet to be disclosed by the court.

At the conclusion of an internal disciplinary process led by an independant consultant, the Lions released a statement which read: “Mr Mongalo was found to have breached company policy by bringing the company’s name into disrepute.

“The company has decided to proceed with the recommended sanction handed down by the independent labour consultant, which includes corrective disciplinary action and compulsory ethical and professional management training.

“Legally Mr Mongalo maintains his innocence and therefore continues to appeal the Australian Magistrate court ruling, and he proceeds to do so in his private capacity. Mr Mongalo is scheduled to resume his duties on Monday 6 May 2019, and the company considers the matter as finalised.”

Awaiting the next step in appealing his case, Mongalo will assume his coaching responsibilities ahead of the Lions home match against the Hurricanes next week.