In a renewed bid to bring black players into a mostly white sport, the South African Rugby Union (Saru) will introduce a stricter racial quota system in domestic rugby.
As from next year, Vodacom Cup teams will have to field seven players of colour in their 22-man squad. According to a Sport24 report, at least five of these players will have to start the match. At least two of the seven quota players will have to be forwards.
Saru chief Oregan Hoskins is hoping that the new quota system will see more black players coming through the system and playing at the top levels of Currie Cup, Super Rugby and in Tests.
“The feeling within our organisation is that we had to step in to see more black players come through. The provinces also shared our views,” Hoskins was quoted as saying by Sport24.
“To have certain targets will show that SARU is committed towards transformation. The Vodacom Cup is of critical importance to development and it has moved away from its primary aim to provide opportunities to promising young players, especially those of colour.
“The aim is to enlarge the pool of players of colour from which Currie Cup and Super Rugby coaches can pick. Hopefully, it would then also give the Springbok coach more options,” the Saru chief said.
