SA Rugby Chairman Mark Alexander. (Ashley Vrotman/Gallo Images)
- SA Rugby has responded to reports that the Springboks still have too many white players.
- SA Rugby chairman Mark Alexander insists the club is “definitely moving in the right direction” when it comes to change.
- The SA Rugby Director also slammed the media for “misleading headlines” that said they were “making a mountain out of a molehill”.
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SA Rugby chairman Mark Alexander insists the governing body is on track to achieve its reform goals.
This follows a report in Sunday newspaper Rapport that suggested the Springboks did not select enough “ordinary black” players for 2023.
The Afrikaans publication said a 206-page “comprehensive” audit sent by SA Rugby to each of the country's provincial unions stated the Springboks failed to meet their targets last year.
The audit is part of SA Rugby's Strategic Transformation and Development Plan 2030 (STDP2030), which aims for the national sporting body to have 60% of its on-field teams comprised of black and colored players by 2030. It is set.
Commentator | What the SA Rugby Transformation Report said and what it means for the Springboks
The Springbok's transformation target for 2023 was to have 54% “general black players”, including black players and players of color, of which 27% had to be “ethnically black players”.
However, in the Rugby Championship, 39% of our team was made up of “ordinary black” players, of whom 13% were black. During the World Cup, which they won in France, the Boks fielded 38% of their players, 16% of whom were black.
SA Rugby responded to the issue via a press statement on Monday, with Alexander saying he was “very happy” with their performance overall.
“All state unions have made a significant contribution and achieved the goals they have set for themselves.While the demographics of the team have been a challenge in some areas, the path is changing for the better and this is very positive for the future.”
STDP2030 covers all areas of engagement in rugby, including team demographics as well as procurement, governance, staffing, committee operations and more.
“Transformation is a process and when you turn on the TV and watch rugby at any level, it's very easy to see the progress we're making on the field,” Alexander said.
“What is not visible are other areas of diversity and inclusion that are progressing rapidly, with STDP 2030 focusing on access to games, skills and development, demographics, performance and community development. Covered: Social Responsibility and Corporate Governance.
“The improvement is most evident at the national team level, where we have made breakthroughs under the leadership of Rassie Erasmus.
“Yes, the Springboks have demographic goals, but they also have performance goals that cannot be compromised and they are definitely heading in the right direction on both fronts.”
“Making a mountain out of a mole mountain”
The SA Rugby director accused the press of portraying a clear lack of progress on change.
“While there are mountains of misleading headlines in the media about the explosion of change, our organization has a much broader lens through which to view the current state of play,” Alexander said. .
“Inclusion is just as important as diversity, ensuring everyone is treated equally and has a voice in a team environment.
“Our commitment extends beyond diverse representation and is committed to fostering an inclusive culture where all players feel valued and heard, regardless of their background. I'm dedicated.
“The Springboks are the best players who can represent their country in any calendar year. They reflect the funnel of talent available and in terms of creating opportunities and new heroes for every community. We are seeing real progress.”
“The Springbok team has made a positive contribution to the social cohesion of our country. The honorary doctorate that Rassie Erasmus recently received was well-deserved, as he is a true example of what it means to be South African. He selects players based on what they can bring to the team and their commitment to the team and each other.
“STDP is a process with a 2030 finish line. Annual reports are a way to measure progress, celebrate successes and ultimately point out areas for improvement.”
