Race relations
Rugby Union head denies plans to use racial quotas
Posted: Wednesday January 06, 1999 11:51 AM
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) -- The head of the South African
Rugby Football Union denied on Wednesday a newspaper report that
racial quotas would be used for players in the nation's premier
domestic tournament.
The Star, a Johannesburg newspaper, reported on its front page
Wednesday that SARFU President Silas Nkanunu said a racial quota
system would be extended to the Bankfin-Currie Cup. The system is
currently used in youth and provincial rugby leagues.
But Nkanunu, in a statement faxed to The Associated Press by
SARFU, said he was incorrectly quoted.
"Such a decision ... would have to be discussed at length by
the SARFU Executive Committee and with the provinces before it
could take effect," Nkanunu said.
Four years after the end of apartheid, race remains a touchy
topic in South Afrcan sports, particularly in rugby and cricket
which were dominated by whites during apartheid.
The ruling African National Congress charges that cricket and
rugby team, which often field all-white sides against
international opponents, are not trying hard enough to promote
talented players of other races.
On Sunday, United Cricket Board of South Africa president Ray
White reaffirmed the UCB's commitment to the development of
non-white players.
Last year, the UCBSA promised to develop a pool of non-white
players as a source for players on provincial squads. No quotas
were set.
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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