ANC puts heat on rugby bosses
ANC MPs yesterday praised cricket for it’s commitment to transformation and slammed rugby bosses for their perceived unwillingness to do so.
Speaking at parliament ANC MP Cedrick Frolick said Cricket SA had kept their promise to include “seven black players, on merit” in their World Cup squad, but accused SA Rugby president Oregan Hoskins and rugby administrators of poor leadership in this area.
Frolick’s views were shared by other ANC MPs who cited white Super 14 teams and coaches, racist incidents, the old SA flag and “inciting white songs” in rugby stadiums as examples of this lack of transformation, and added that they were concerned that no blue-print for sport was in existence.
In response the acting head of the department of sport and recreation Greg Fredericks said a “broad South African sports plan” should be ready by November.
Hoskins conceded that untransformed sports teams were inexcusable. “Rugby has a long way to go,” Beeld reported.
“I look at our 14 unions and see where the conservatism lies,” Hoskins said. Without black leaders, who are willing to work without compensation, the grip will not be broken.
“People call me for Test tickets, but not to say they would like to go and help in the townships.”
Saru’s transformation driver Dr Willie Basson addressed the committee, and revealed that his research had shown that white schoolboy rugby in 11 of the 14 unions was shrinking. He said developing young black players was crucial to the the long-term future of rugby.
Basson also said he was concerned about the small number of black players at senior provincial level and the dearth of black rugby players in the northern unions.
“Rugby administrators are neglecting their duty to convince blacks to play rugby,” he said. “It would take five to 10 years to correct this.
“In the meantime, northern unions are begging, borrowing and stealing southern players.”
Meanwhile United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa said Jake White’s “supreme authority” and poor team selections were contributing to the problem.
Bok captain John Smit wasn’t spared either.
He was called an “old crock” by Holomisa who said he hoped black players who had excelled in the Currie Cup would be included in the World Cup squad.
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ANC puts heat on rugby bosses
