SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has spoken out against those ‘moaning’ about transformation without having full understanding of what it means.
Erasmus, who was in charge when the most diverse Springbok squad ever went on to claim the 2019 World Cup, believes no team will ever be successful if not completely transformed.
Talking as a guest of the Stellenbosch University alumni office, Erasmus suggested the section of the general public who is opposed to transformation and diversification in the game do not understand the concept.
‘If you see transformation as a black or coloured guy taking a white player’s spot, then you’re looking at the transformation the wrong way, and you’ll never coach a successful team if it’s not transformed,’ Erasmus said.
‘Your team won’t be happy because if you do that, the black guy will look at you and know you don’t trust him.
‘People moan about transformation when they don’t even know what it’s about.
‘We had four women in the management team who played a very important role for our players. That’s diversity. I can tell you now, at the World Cup we had a 100% happy, transformed and diverse playing and management team.
‘We need to keep having a transformed team that wins … make sure you have a diverse team. Make sure black and white players have equal opportunity. And commit to that.’
Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
