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2008, the year South African Rugby went back into the wilderness?
SA Rugby: Transform now, or else
Hendrik Cronje
Friday, July 6, 2007
This is the last year in which South Africa will send a non-transformed team to the Rugby World Cup tournament, says SA Rugby president Oregan Hoskins.
Hoskins has expressed this view in a circular to all presidents, chief executives and directors of the 14 provincial unions.
Preparations and planning for the 2011 World Cup tournament had begun with the start of this year's Currie Cup competition, Hoskins added.
Since unification in 1992, transformation on the playing field had "hardly changed".
With more than 50 of South Africa's leading players not involved in the domestic competition, it is now time to give more black players the opportunity to play in the Currie Cup, said Hoskins.
He would hate to see the government intervening by using the new legislation. He would hate it just as much to see the Springbok emblem being taken away.
"But, if we continue as we are doing now, we are inviting the politicians into rugby and we will have only ourselves to blame."
According to recent reports, the ANC believes sports symbols still have the power to divide people. For that reason, uniform emblems for all SA sports teams should be considered.
The ruling party has confirmed that the issue was discussed at its recent policy congress. It was recommended that the creation of one emblem for all sports codes should be investigated.
The Springbok emblem, which has been used for the national rugby teams for 101 years, could be abolished after this year's World Cup tournament.
Hoskins encouraged coaches to let transformation bloom in the Currie Cup competition. He said the rate of transformation at senior level was too slow and the bottleneck should be broken.
There were encouraging signs at Under-19, Under-21 and amateur levels, but urgent steps should be taken at Currie Cup and national club levels. "This important issue should be taken very seriously."
It could not be tolerated that any Currie Cup team fielded fewer black players than in last year's competition or in this year's Super 14.
SA Rugby has not announced any plans to stop the expected exodus of leading players who plan to continue their careers abroad after the World Cup tournament.
Springboks such as hooker and captain John Smit, Percy Montgomery, Gary Botha, Bob Skinstad, Gerrie Britz, Lawrence Sephaka, Breyton Paulse, Marius Joubert and possibly Victor Matfield are expected to play in Europe next season.
News24.com/Volksblad
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Originally Posted by Burgs
