‘Pure nonsense’: Exclusion of smaller towns from Springboks tour slammed

There have been some complaints about smaller towns and certain areas missing out on seeing the Webb Ellis Cup as Springboks embark on a trophy tour on Thursday, 2 November.

The Springboks will kick off their tour with Pretoria, Johannesburg and Soweto. They will then proceed to Cape Town on Friday and also visit Durban on Saturday, 4 November.

WHY WERE SMALLER TOWNS EXCLUDED IN SPRINGBOKS TROPHY TOUR?

In a statement, SA Rugby president Mark Alexander highlighted that the Springbok tour’s purpose was to reach as many people as possible within the limited timeframe before the squad disperses.

The five largest population centres in the country – Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Soweto, and Pretoria – have been given priority to provide the maximum number of people with the opportunity to welcome the team.

Furthermore, the significance of the Eastern Cape in the history, development, and future of black rugby was acknowledged, leading to a visit to Buffalo City on a non-working day to enable individuals from the region to be part of the celebration.

ALSO READ: Tshwane streets affected by Springboks tour on Thursday

Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie is among those who expressed their unhappiness over the exclusion of smaller towns.

“This is pure nonsense, Gauteng get 3 visits by the Boks whilst other provinces get no visit. What message is this sending out to these neglected provinces, this is a national team not a franchise team. Pls reconsider the touring schedule,” he tweeted.

This is pure nonsense, Gauteng get 3 visits by the Boks whilst other provinces get no visit. What message is this sending out to these neglected provinces, this is a national team not a franchise team. Pls reconsider the touring schedule. pic.twitter.com/klnWzFfQ8l

— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) November 1, 2023

ALSO READ: Springboks: Here’s where you can see the trophy in Cape Town

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