MARK KEOHANE argues that transformation in South African rugby, exemplified by the Sharks’ recent team makeup, must be celebrated but not confused with quotas.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane highlights that the Sharks’ victory over the Vodacom Bulls in the Vodacom URC last week was significant not just for overcoming the absence of key Springboks but also for head coach John Plumtree fielding 12 players of colour.
He stresses that transformation is about opportunity, not enforced selection, and credits Springbok boss Rassie Erasmus for eliminating the quota label in talent identification, ensuring that players are valued for their ability rather than their race.
Keohane emphasises that under Erasmus, the Boks have become the most transformed team in the country’s history, with Siya Kolisi leading as an iconic double World Cup-winning captain.
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While the Sharks and Stormers have been at the forefront of change, Keohane notes that the Bulls and Lions lag behind in black player representation, and points out the irony that the former – co-owned by SA billionaire Patrice Motsepe – have stagnated in this regard.
“Transformation is not to be confused with quotas,” he writes. “Quotas was and is the ugliest of labels.
“Those terrible times when players were categorised ‘quota’ based on not being white are gone and South African rugby is winning on most fronts.
“The Sharks started against the Bulls with 12 players of colour, six in the backs and six in the forwards, and each player contributed to a famous win, given the unavailability of seven current Test Springboks and Scottish international Dylan Richardson.
“It was a remarkable win, but the statement of transformation was even bigger than the result.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The post Sharks make transformation statement appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
MARK KEOHANE argues that transformation in South African rugby, exemplified by the Sharks’ recent team makeup, must celebrated but not be confused with quotas.
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