Cronje was cleared by an initial inquiry

The investigation into white lock Geo Cronje's alleged refusal to share a room with black player Quinton Davids will now be referred to a South African Rugby Football Union (Sarfu) committee.

An initial Sarfu inquiry could find "no conclusive evidence" of racism.

But under former president Silas Nkanunu, the body appointed retired Judge Edwin King to head an independent inquiry, only for it to be postponed until the New Year.

The governing body will also investigate revelations over 'Kamp Staaldraad' ('Camp Barbed Wire') - the Springboks' notorious military-style pre-World Cup training camp.

Sarfu needs to deal with the Springbok issues themselves Government spokesman Graham Abrahams

Players were forced to spend the night naked crammed into a pit and doused with water while anthems of rival teams were played.

Pictures of the camp stunned the South African public and, allied to a poor World Cup, led to the resignation of coach Rudolf Straeuli and SA Rugby managing director Rian Oberholzer.

Nkanunu also stepped down last week, replaced by new president Brian van Rooyen.

A government commission headed by the Ministry of Sport will also undertake a broader inquiry into "transformation issues".

"The issues regarding Geo Cronje/Quinton Davids and Kamp Staaldraad will now revert into an internal committee handled by Sarfu," the governing body confirmed in a statement. "A full report will be submitted to the board."

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Nkanunu had originally asked the sports ministry to probe the racism allegations.

But Ministry spokesman Graham Abrahams said: "I have seen that they are wanting to deal with it internally but obviously one has to look at what is meant exactly by that.

"What we did say is that Sarfu needs to deal with the Springbok issues themselves.

"Our understanding would be that we would be looking essentially at transformation issues within rugby.

"It will be under the auspices of government but we will appoint independent people to deal with it."