Mbalula to give post-Rugby World Cup briefing on transformation
South African Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula is set to brief media in Johannesburg on Thursday on the outcomes of the 2015 Rugby World Cup and the issue of transformation in rugby in South Africa.
South Africa lost to arch rivals and eventual winners New Zealand in the World Cup semi-finals before beating Argentina in the play-off for third place.
However, the Springboks’World Cup campaign has been marred by questions around an outdated style of play, continued speculation over whether incumbent coach Heyneke Meyer will be kept on and the ever-present issue around transformation.
Meyer came in for particularly stinging criticism following the match against Argentina when he played veteran scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar for virtually the entire match and only gave Rudy Paige, a player of colour, three minutes off the bench with the result long before put to bed.
In a statement, the ministry said: “Minister of Sport and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula will brief the media about the outcomes of the IRB 2015 World Cup and the rugby transformation in South Africa. This is to fulfil the promise made to give a comprehensive response on issues raised about Transformation when the IRB 2015 Rugby World Cup concludes.” - ANA
(File photo: Gallo Images)