Stormers captain Siya Kolisi says it will be up each of his team mates as to whether to show their support for Black Lives Matter when rugby resumes in the country on Saturday.
Kolisi, who led South Africa to the World Cup in Japan last year, has revealed in-depth discussions within the Stormers camp about BLM and equality, and says they agreed it would be up to each individual to decide their own stance without prejudice.
“We’ve tried to narrow it down to what’s going on here in South Africa,” Kolisi told reporters. “We pride ourselves on our diversity in the Stormers team.
“There are so many things that people can do to show their support and we said, as long as we’re getting the education, and we’re learning and growing each week, what someone else does, that’s up to you.
“We’re not going to judge each other. We have to respect what they (team mates) are doing and the decision they’re making, and they will answer for it.
“If you ask me what I’m doing, I will answer for it and then the next guy will answer for themselves.”
South Africa’s minister of sport, Nathi Mthethwa, angrily demanded action from rugby authorities when eight South Africans at English side Sale Sharks did not take a knee before a game last month, while others in the side did so.
“(The) BLM movement is important because the rot and the pain has been faced by black players here in South Africa,” Mthethwa said in a statement.
The Stormers will play in what is essentially a pre-season fixture against the Lions on Saturday, the first rugby to be played in the country since March.
More Stories
Djokovic Gave Everything To Overcome Injury – Ivanisevic
Emotional Djokovic Hails Biggest Victory Of His life
Ronaldo’s Saudi Switch Another Symbol Of Chinese Decline
Lakers Fume Over Referee Decision In Overtime Loss To Celtics
Tsitsipas Thriving After Wake-Up Call – McEnroe
Mind Your Language! Wales Coach Gatland Raises Concerns Over Netflix Documentary
Son Hits Double For Tottenham And Casemiro Bags Brace For Man Utd In Cup Wins
Casemiro Scores Twice As Man Utd Beat Reading In FA Cup
Salah Struggling As Liverpool’s Front Three No longer ‘Well-Drilled’ – Klopp
FIA Defends Ben Sulayem After Reported Sexist Comments
Belarusian Sabalenka Crowned First ‘Neutral’ Grand Slam Champion
Sabalenka Subdues Rybakina To Win Maiden Grand Slam At Australian Open