rugby history
White-washing the history of black rugby
Were it not for a handful of sports historians, the long and proud tradition of competitive black rugby in South Africa may have been lost to history. More than a game, but a political statement too, it dates as far back as the late 1800s
26 October 2023 - 05:00
Rassie Erasmus’s Springboks are inspirational. A team of all races, languages and backgrounds who have each other’s backs, no matter what. Even the most hardened cynics agree that if South Africa were run on the same lines as our rugby team, we would be a force to be reckoned with.
But amid euphoric coverage of the national side there’s an unwritten assumption that black South Africans have only recently taken to the oval ball. Or, as the game is called in Xhosa, umbhoxo — “the thing that is not round”. ..
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.