Rugby's sorry saga! Did Owen Franks actually apologise to James Parsons?

James Parsons - has made a refreshingly clear call. Photo / Photosport

The ball is back in the Crusaders' court.

Did the great test prop Owen Franks apologise to Blues hooker James Parsons or didn't he?

If he didn't, as Parsons states categorically, then there are serious questions to be asked about the legitimacy of the Sanzaar judicial process.

Franks is a man of very few words, even according to the man himself. Franks describes himself as a bit of a loner in a Women's Weekly story on his impending nuptials five years ago.

Listen to "James Parsons: I haven't received an apology." on Spreaker.

Most of us are guessing that Franks won't be commenting on the current situation involving Parsons, although we are open to pleasant surprises.

Sanzaar reduced Franks suspension for a swinging arm on Parsons from four weeks to two, on a variety of factors including "his expressed remorse and apology to the other player".

Parsons was unequivocal in talking to Radio Sport — he has not received an apology from Franks. It was refreshingly unusual to hear a New Zealand player being so honest about a situation involving another New Zealand player.

But there is more to this than that.

So far, the Crusaders have been decidedly unapologetic.

There are some wonderful examples of what a clear apology constitutes in rugby.

Two years ago Brumbies loose forward David Pocock posted a comprehensive apology after being suspended for a neck hold on Chiefs No. 8 Michael Leitch. Pocock apologised to everyone and anyone and Leitch confirmed that Pocock rang him twice.

"I am incredibly disappointed with my actions," wrote Pocock, who also thanked World Rugby and SANZAAR for trying to make the game safer.

Around the same time, Highlanders centre Jason Emery apologised in person to the Sharks' Willie le Roux for a dangerous tackle, and repeated this on Twitter leading to a nice exchange with the Springboks back.

"All part of the game we love," le Roux responded.

@JasonEmery13 bro all part of the game we love all the best to you and the team for the rest of the tournament 🙏🏻

— Willie le roux (@wjjleroux) April 22, 2016

The Crusaders response to violent incidents involving props Joe Moody and Franks in successive games has been off hand

Assistant coach Brad Mooar said:"We just need to be tidier around those areas and make sure we don't put ourselves in the position of having to go to the judiciary and going through that process."

So it's all about them. And tidier? Moody smashed Waratah Kurtley Beale in the head with a forearm. Franks hit Parsons when he was trapped in a ruck.

At least All Black coach Steve Hansen suggested the frontrowers needed to sort themselves out.

The Crusaders shouldn't even need to explain where and when this apology took place because a proper apology is very hard to miss.

Bottom line: Apologies are apparently part of the sentence reduction process, and listed in sentencing statements. Super Rugby and its fans need to know what did or didn't take place with Franks and Parsons.