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SA Rugby issue public and 'in person' apology amid haka storm

New Zealand players perform the Haka ahead of the Rugby Championship Test match between South Africa and New Zealand at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on August 31, 2024. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP) (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images)

The CEO of SA Rugby has both publicly and privately apologised over the scenes that saw the All Blacks pre-match haka drowned out by music on Saturday in their Rugby Championship clash in Johannesburg.

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The performance of Kapa O Pango was accompanied by loud chants from the 62,000-strong crowd, as well as music, pyrotechnics and a flyover by a huge aeroplane.

The controversy has led to a debate around how much respect should be afforded to the war dance, with many believing a line had been crossed at the stadium.

Video Spacer

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu sums up the win against the All Blacks

Video Spacer

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu sums up the win against the All Blacks

SA Rugby have now admitted that they got it badly wrong.

“I apologised in person and have written to the NZRFU to formally express our regret and apologies for what occurred,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.

“It was never the intention to schedule any activities that would coincide with such an iconic moment of any Test match against the All Blacks. That it occurred was a result of timekeeping challenges and simple human error.

“In the confusion, the crowd’s excited cheering was mistaken to have marked the conclusion of the Haka by an unsighted sound engineer who restarted the music programme. It was highly regrettable but in no way deliberate.”

Oberholzer stated that SA Rugby was troubled by the protocol breach and the perceived lack of respect it may have conveyed.

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“We hold dear the values and traditions of the game,” said Oberholzer. “The unfortunate events in no way represent any lack of respect that South African rugby holds for the significance and history of the Haka. We will ensure such errors cannot be repeated.”

The second Test in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship between the teams will take place at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday and former skipper John Smit has called on fans to respect the haka, writing on X: “What a test match but my only disappointment was the noise made and music being played during the Haka, it’s a privilege to watch and hear for player and fan alike, please let’s respect it in Cape Town.”

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Comments

13 Comments
R
RC 79 days ago

I'm so sick and tired of NZ blaming countries for disrespecting the Haka. New Zealand must remember, being able to perform the Haka is a privilege, not a right. Carry on whinging and that privilege may be removed.

M
MattJH 80 days ago

‘Storm’ my ass.

S
SadersMan 80 days ago

you might wanna rephrase that

B
B.J. Spratt 81 days ago

Maybe we could create a new position in the All Blacks, 'Haka Master" We could give it to Perenara for as long as he wants it. $10k a rendition with one condition, He is not allowed to play again.

b
by 81 days ago

Storm in a teacup. But music at ANY time during games is unnecessary.

D
DP 81 days ago

Breaking news!! NZRU in conjunction with WR to issue a public apology for editor in chief Ben Smith from rugbypass. Sources say they’re embarrassed they’ve allowed him to disrespect all South African supporters and the Springboks since the inception of this very website…

d
dn 81 days ago

Why don't the ABs do the haka after the whistle, then nobody can say they are trying to gain a psychological advantage?😄

N
Nickers 81 days ago

I actually enjoyed the chaos of that moment.

C
ColinK 81 days ago

Wow just shows how strong the unique rivalry is and the shared respects. It was such a great game. We get a bit precious about our Haka but it did feel a bit out of character for SA, more like what England do over there. In the end people can do what they like but as I say it shows the shared respect. Certainly this is a very fine Bok team and an incredible comeback that I will say hurt after our boys played so well for 60. But as we well know its an 80min contest. Looking forward to the next one.

W
WK 81 days ago

I think Sumo and Izzie should study the letter to see what a genuine apology looks like. It might help them in future.

D
DP 81 days ago

Dear SARU, in return we publicly apologise for unilaterally jettisoning your franchises from “Super Rugby”, even though you’ve landed on your feet and we’re now stuck playing basketball against Aussie sides.. 😉

W
Wayneo 81 days ago

We see what you are trying to do.

No use trying to butter us up, bomb squad is going to do bomb squad things come Saturday no matter what💪

N
Ninjin 81 days ago

Respect.

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