The Pumas Rugby Union believes there is nothing wrong with its allowing Gert van Schalkwyk, one of the Waterkloof Four killers, to try out for a place on the team.
Beeld newspaper reported yesterday that Van Schalkwyk has been practising with the Mpumalanga team.
He was convicted for participating in the beating to death of a homeless man in Pretoria when he was 15 years old.
He was released into strict correctional supervision in December, having served three years of his 12-year sentence.
Correctional Services spokesman Zacharia Modise said Van Schalkwyk was allowed to play rugby, though he was released under house arrest: "He is not violating his parole conditions and is able to sign in with his parole officer .
"There is a letter in his case file that confirms that the Pumas would like to see him play and offer him the possibility of a contract if he reaches peak condition."
Allowing Van Schalkwyk to train with the intention of getting a job was in line with Correctional Services' culture of rehabilitation, Modise said.
However, at the same time, the department is still appealing his release.
Pumas Rugby Union president Hein Mentz said Van Schalkwyk was being allowed to train with the team to give him a "second chance in life".
Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse is Van Schalkwyk's step-father. He declined to comment.
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