Black Springboks approach COSATU with concerns

Five black Springboks have approached trade union with regards to lack of game time in Test matches.

Western Cape Cosatu chairperson Motlatsi Tsubane told News24 that two white Springboks “put their weight behind the matter” and feel that not enough has been done to transform the national team. He said:

“Unfortunately for obvious reasons we are not in a position to give names because, at the end of the day, we still have to sit down and engage with them so they can give a clear overview of what is happening.”

Cosatu will be meeting with the players in the coming days and say the players are scared of speaking out because of the fear of being victimized.

Cosatu provincial secretary Tony Ehrenreich says coach Heyneke Meyer’s “white cabal” wanted to keep black players out of South Africa. He insisted that a more racially representative team be chosen for the match against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

Ehrenreich added:

“When coach (Peter) De Villiers led the team, the white establishment was quick to criticise him, yet there is a deafening silence now. They must be told in no uncertain terms that this Springbok team belongs to all South Africans and should reflect all South Africans.”

Cosatu also felt that captain Jean de Villiers had been given preferential treatment.

“The rugby establishment defends the privileged position of white players and the captain Jean de Villiers is an example of this. Any other player, anywhere else in the world, would have to play himself back into the team after such a long absence, yet he gets to just walk back into the team.“