This weekend marks exactly 40 years since the British and Irish Lions kicked off their Test series against the combat starved Springboks at Newlands.
Despite a one-off match against the World XV to mark the opening of Loftus Versfeld in 1977 and two clashes against a South American side earlier in 1980‚ Bill Beaumont’s Lions was the first team of international repute to play the Boks in four years.
South Africa had been plunged into international isolation and the Lions’ decision to tour Apartheid South Africa was one that drew wide international condemnation. As a 24-year-old‚ he didn’t think so at the time but Lions scrumhalf John Robbie believes it was wrong to come to South Africa which was in the grip of a repressive regime.“I have this great contradiction that it was a great rugby experience and highlight of my rugby career.
"Later in life I would be interviewing people who were in jail while I was touring here. I’ve learnt to forgive myself and move on.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
It’s been 40 years since the Lions tour to SA divided the worldThis weekend marks exactly 40 years since the British and Irish Lions kicked off their Test series against the combat starved Springboks at Newlands.
Read more »
It’s been 40 years since the Lions tour to SA divided the worldThis weekend marks exactly 40 years since the British and Irish Lions kicked off their Test series against the combat starved Springboks at Newlands.
Read more »
Government must put up, or shut up about tobaccoBritish American Tobacco SA said government had betrayed its trust and 'it’s very difficult to believe anything we hear from government now'.
Read more »
Tourism must get out of nosedive to help SAConsidering the large contribution hospitality and tourism contributes to the gross domestic product each year, SA needs tourism to flourish again.
Read more »
Alonso comeback would be good for F1, says Stefano DomenicaliFormula One would be the winner if double world champion Fernando Alonso makes a comeback next year at the age of 39, according to the Spaniard's former Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali
Read more »
These are the cars Hyundai plans to launch in SA in the coming yearAs the motor industry chugs back into life, affordable vehicles will be more important than ever. IOLMotoring
Read more »