It's a historical moment for South African Rugby as President Mark Alexander announces plans to host the M?ori All Blacks next year, aiming to mend the scars of apartheid that once barred M?ori players from touring in South Africa. This series of matches is part of an overdue apology from SA Rugby for the discriminatory practices that excluded these players during the tours in 1949 and 1960, and the controversial 'honorary white' status granted in the 70s.
The revelation came during the launch of "Scrumming Against All Odds," a book celebrating the resilience and fight for equality by South African rugby legends. Alexander expressed deep remorse over the historical injustices, stating,
"The exclusion of the M?ori All Blacks was a stain on our history, and confronting this with humility and remorse is long overdue."
He confirmed ongoing discussions with New Zealand Rugby about bringing the M?ori team to South Africa as a significant gesture of reconciliation.
This tour aligns with a larger All Blacks tour which includes three test matches against the Springboks and additional games against South Africa’s United Rugby Championship teams - Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Stormers. Furthermore, a special match is scheduled at Twickenham in London for late 2026, enhancing the international rugby calendar.
Alexander elaborates on the importance of this event:
"These games will not only celebrate rugby excellence but also serve as a critical moment of recognition and reconciliation."
This initiative not only aims to right the wrongs of the past but also to honor those who suffered under such discriminatory policies, both in New Zealand and South Africa.
With SA Rugby finalizing the 2026 agreement, this tour is set to be a landmark event, promising substantial economic impacts through sports tourism and marking a historic moment in rugby history. By acknowledging past injustices and celebrating the unity of rugby, SA Rugby sets a precedent for sports organizations worldwide.
Teams involved in the tour: M?ori All Blacks, Springboks, Bulls, Lions, Sharks, Stormers, South Africa A team.
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It's a historical moment for South African Rugby as President Mark Alexander announces plans to host the M?ori All Blacks next year, aiming to mend the scars of apartheid that once barred M?ori players from touring in South Africa. This series of matches is part of an overdue apology from SA Rugby for the discriminatory practices that excluded these players during the tours in 1949 and 1960, and the controversial 'honorary white' status granted in the 70s.
The revelation came during the launch of "Scrumming Against All Odds," a book celebrating the resilience and fight for equality by South African rugby legends. Alexander expressed deep remorse over the historical injustices, stating,
"The exclusion of the M?ori All Blacks was a stain on our history, and confronting this with humility and remorse is long overdue."
He confirmed ongoing discussions with New Zealand Rugby about bringing the M?ori team to South Africa as a significant gesture of reconciliation.This tour aligns with a larger All Blacks tour which includes three test matches against the Springboks and additional games against South Africa’s United Rugby Championship teams - Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Stormers. Furthermore, a special match is scheduled at Twickenham in London for late 2026, enhancing the international rugby calendar.
Alexander elaborates on the importance of this event:
"These games will not only celebrate rugby excellence but also serve as a critical moment of recognition and reconciliation."
This initiative not only aims to right the wrongs of the past but also to honor those who suffered under such discriminatory policies, both in New Zealand and South Africa.With SA Rugby finalizing the 2026 agreement, this tour is set to be a landmark event, promising substantial economic impacts through sports tourism and marking a historic moment in rugby history. By acknowledging past injustices and celebrating the unity of rugby, SA Rugby sets a precedent for sports organizations worldwide.
Teams involved in the tour: M?ori All Blacks, Springboks, Bulls, Lions, Sharks, Stormers, South Africa A team.