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SA Rugby issue public and 'in person' apology amid haka storm
By Ian Cameron
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.
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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.”
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.
‘Storm’ my ass.
you might wanna rephrase that
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.
Storm in a teacup. But music at ANY time during games is unnecessary.
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…
Why don't the ABs do the haka after the whistle, then nobody can say they are trying to gain a psychological advantage?😄
I actually enjoyed the chaos of that moment.
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.
I think Sumo and Izzie should study the letter to see what a genuine apology looks like. It might help them in future.
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.. 😉
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💪
Respect.