South African club rugby has been subject to intense scrutiny for years, not only by those inside the sport, but from those on the outside looking in as well.
There have been countless occasions in amateur rugby where racism has been brought to the fore.
Be it black on white, white on black, or any way you’d have the scenario play out, racism has time and time again managed to worm its way into the sport, the most recent occasion being an incident that took place between two powerhouses of Gauteng club rugby, Roodepoort Rugby Club (RRC) and Wanderers Rugby Club (WRC).
The two clubs played a round of fixtures on Wednesday, 25 April at the Wanderers club in Illovo which was marred by a racial incident that allegedly took place during and after the U/21 game.
According to a statement issued by WRC, the incident began during the match when “Wanderers players reported to their coach that there was verbal racial abuse being directed to the Wanderers players from the Roodepoort spectators and players.”
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The statement also alleges that the dreaded ‘K-word’ was thrown into the mix by RRC players, and directed at black WRC players.
The statement further claims that the Roodepoort support was “calling black players from Wanderers ‘development players’,” as well as “a dog whistle in reference to the colour of their skin.”
The incident allegedly worsened after the match when, while the teams were shaking hands, WRC claimed that a Roodepoort player “instigated a physical attack by slapping a black Wanderers player, then calling him a ‘K…..r’.”
There are also claims that RRC players, coaches, and parents ran onto the field to push and punch WRC players.
They also claim that the player’s father assaulted the WRC player by “punching him in the face and kicking him when he was on the ground.”
The incident is the newest addition to a long list of racial incidents that have found their way back into society this year.
The Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) manager of amateur rugby, Pieter Visser, has reportedly said “We strongly condemn racism and consider the incident to be very serious.”
Roodepoort Rugby Club has stated that it wishes to refrain from making any official statement and comment before the investigation by GLRU is carried out in its entirety.
The GLRU has acknowledged that it has received statements from both clubs regarding the incident. The organisation is also conducting an investigation into the incident. The outcome thereof is expected soon.
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