South African government urges country to back Springboks

3.00pm

CAPE TOWN - South Africa's government urged its citizens on Friday to support the national rugby team, despite recent allegations of racism within the Springbok squad.

The sport was tarnished last month, just weeks before the World Cup, when allegations broke that a white player, Geo Cronje, had refused to room with black team mate Quinton Davids.

An internal SARFU investigation found no "conclusive evidence" of racism and an independent inquiry into rugby racism, led by retired judge Edwin King, was set up but then postponed to allow the team to concentrate on the tournament, starting in Australia on October 10.

"Cabinet considered the issue of allegations of racism in rugby and the postponement of the inquiry into this matter," a statement from President Thabo Mbeki's government said.

"Given the commitment of SARFU (South African Rugby Football Union) to deal with any problems in the interest of the sport and of the country, it is the duty of all South Africans to support the Springbok team.

"All of us should ensure that the team, our collective national asset, enjoys our unwavering support, especially at the World Cup."

Both Cronje and Davids missed out on the World Cup squad.

The King inquiry was set up after team media officer Mark Keohane resigned his post then presented a report detailing incidents of prejudice.

The inquiry will begin work early next year although a start date is yet to be set.

- REUTERS

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