By: Jarryd Subroyen

Recent allegations from the Agency for New Agenda (ANA) regarding lack of transformation within South African rugby, has caused a stir amongst the sporting community and its
supporters.

The statement which was made by Edward Mokhoanatse – president of ANA, formerly known as South Africa First – categorised the Springboks as an outfit which had been subject
to “white privileges” when it comes to selection process.

Mokhoanatse & Co. were taking South African Rugby Union to court on the grounds of transformation

John Grewar, a rugby captain at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, was enraged at the allegations, as they portrayed South Africa in a bad light.“For someone to label rugby as a sporting code whereby whites are given a privilege in terms of selection criteria is beyond outrageous.

The local teams which feature at varsity level, provincial level and even in international tournaments such as Super Rugby, all have squad depths with an array of players from
various races. The sport is for everyone, irregardless of race,” said Grewar.

Chad Collins, a member of the Durban North Crusaders Rugby team, believes that no matter how far South Africa distances itself from it’s past – these issues will keep showing
themselves, “unless we personally begin to change our outlooks on life”.

“Anyone who thinks rugby is a white man’s sport either watches very little rugby or doesn’t watch rugby at all.

As long as we regard things in a certain way, there’s very little we can do about it, unless we change our perceptions.

For transformation to occur, it needs to start with one’s mind-set, it doesn’t start at the top. We have to be the change we wish to see in the
world,” said Collins.

The team, which will travel to England to partake in the tournament, comprises of 23 white players and eight players of colour.

Despite these statistics, members of the public still believe that each place in the squad should be awarded to the player who has proved himself the most, irrespective of race.

Brendan Cope, a product of the Sharks Academy said,  “Rugby is a team sport. It’s all about chemistry and players’ ability to gel together.

However, selection is down to individual efforts – and this alone is a tough ask of any coach or manager, let alone that of the
Springboks.

For a political party to seek a few moments of fame by putting the national team through unrest, just weeks before the biggest tournament kicks off – is extremely sad to see,” added
Cope.