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'We are united as a sport in our disgust at discriminatory and racist behaviour'

By Online Editors
(Getty Images)

South Africa Rugby is using Saturday’s Rugby Championship opener in Johannesburg between the Springboks and Australia to launch a fresh campaign against racism and all forms of discrimination.

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The campaign is the outcome of a collaboration with the South African Human Rights Commission to address a societal issue that finds expression in all environments – including sporting events.

SA Rugby’s response follows an instance of racial abuse at a Springbok Test match in 2018. “This campaign is to demonstrate rugby’s commitment to eradicating all forms of discriminations in the game,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby.

“We do not tolerate discrimination and racism in our team and working environments but these attitudes are a fact of life the world over and we want to shine a light on instances of such behaviour that may occur at our rugby grounds and stadiums in order to be part of the movement for change.

“The Springboks and our other national teams are powerful South African ambassadors who stand for the best of our country and they are united against discrimination and racism. We want to put that stance on public display.”

The campaign, called RADAR (Rugby against Discrimination and Racism), will be visible during Saturday’s Test match with banners, signage, programme advertisements, ground announcements and messages from players in due course.

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SA Rugby has for the first time also created a dedicated channel where complaints may be laid. Incidents can be reported to radar@sarugby.co.za for investigation and potential sanction.

Cases will be heard by an independent panel of legal experts. Individuals who are identified and found guilty face suspension or banning from rugby, potentially for life.

We are united as a sport in our disgust at discriminatory and racist behaviour. We will take action when it is exposed,” said Roux.

WATCH: Episode three of the RugbyPass Rugby Explorer series where Jim Hamilton takes a trek through South African rugby 

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Bull Shark 1 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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