SA Rugby has scolded a number of provincial unions for fielding teams that are ‘too white’ at various age group levels.
In a letter to the unions, SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said: ‘The success of the (2019 Rugby) World Cup is not a get out of jail free card for those who oppose transformation. It is the opposite – proof that there is no excuse for underperformance.
ALL SEVEN SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED COACHES ARE WHITE
‘These are unprecedented times, but that does not mean that our transformation goals can be “restricted”.’
Alexander said he could not justify to Minister of Sport Nathi Mthethwa in a recent meeting why all seven head coaches in Super Rugby Unlocked are white.
‘Some of you will probably be summoned to explain your lack of transformation to the minister,’ he added.
According to Rapport newspaper, the letter was written after the Pumas fielded just two black players in their starting line-up for last Friday’s Super Rugby Unlocked match against the Stormers.
PUMAS, FREE STATE AND BULLS MOST AT FAULT
SA Rugby spoke to the Pumas this week about their transformation plans, as well as to Free State and the Blue Bulls about the composition of their U21 teams.
Free State’s team was 74% white and the Bulls’ 70% on average during the U21 Championship, compared to the Lions’ 40%, Western Province’s 61% and the Sharks’ 63%.
