19 Feb 2009

Irony as Springboks-Maori game nixed due to racial selection

7:55 am on 19 February 2009

The South African Rugby Union has issued a statement that seems to end a proposed match between the Springboks and the New Zealand Maori later this year in Soweto.

The Union has a long-established resolution forbidding South African teams from playing racially-selected opponents.

In the statement SA Rugby confirms that the New Zealand Rugby Union inquired if there was an opportunity for the Maori team to appear in South Africa.

SA Rugby says it's "examining the possibility but no decision has been taken on whether the offer will be accepted and there are several obstacles to overcome".

The main stumbling block is the long-established President's Council resolution forbidding the appearance of SARU teams against opponents selected along racial lines.

A final decision isn't expected until the end of March.