South African icon Nelson Mandela on Saturday was posthumously inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
The image of the black then South African president dressed in a Springbok team shirt handing over the 1995 World Cup trophy to white Springbok captain Francois Pienaar is perhaps the most enduring image of the sport’s showpiece event.
The symbolism of the moment appeared to reflect a unity within the rainbow nation – replacing the racist apartheid regime – especially as rugby was seen as the one of the last bastions of whites.
His induction took place at a special ceremony in Newcastle ahead of the crunch Springbok pool B game later on Saturday against Scotland.
World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset presented the coveted Hall of Fame cap to Pienaar and South Africa’s deputy sport and recreation minister, Gert C Oosthuizen.
“The World Rugby Hall of Fame recognises those who have made an indelible mark on our sport through feats on the field of play, displays of great character or through their tireless and inspirational work in driving forward our great game,” commented Lapasset.
“Mandela certainly fits in that category. He was instrumental in turning Rugby World Cup 1995 into a momentous occasion that united the South African nation through the power of sport.
“By supporting the Springboks so passionately and publicly on their way to victory, Mandela helped to change attitudes, soften hearts and convince minds of the right course of history for his country to take and, in the process, became a wonderful example to us all.
“Now, 20 years on from that historic tournament, we are delighted to induct the former president into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
“It is a fitting tribute to a man who did so much for his country and our sport.”
Mandela, who died in 2013, received a glowing tribute from South African Rugby Union president and World Rugby vice-chairman Oregan Hoskins.
“Madiba was a great man of vision, determination and integrity who performed a miracle that amazed the world as much as it amazed his fellow countrymen,” said Hoskins.
“His name will rank among the greatest humanitarians and this induction reflects rugby’s ever-lasting friendship and appreciation for a great man.”
Despite the memorable moment in 1995, the problem over black representation in the Springboks’ team still rages, with present coach Heyneke Meyer being accused of doing the bare legal minimum to select them.
Brawlsinmauls
Guest
Such a beautiful country too, chillin with beers at camps bay with the table in background. Was some flash cars down there as well. Fun times
RedsKing
Guest
Billy got told.
Vic
Guest
Know your facts, Billy - they did target civilians, and still do. Anyone opposing them . "Collateral damage" - nice little euphemism for the murder of innocent civilians. In other words, my life and freedom is worth more than the life and freedom of the "collateral damage". Wonder how you'll feel if that collateral damage is your family? But "collateral damage" is different still to deliberately targeting civilians, which was definitely a strategy used by the ANC. Ever heard of necklacing? Ever heard of the kidnapping of groups of school children, forcing them to become child soldiers or and slaves in the ANC camps? Ever heard of the torture and murders of farmers, women and children? Accidental? How many civilians have died since the take over of South Africa by the ANC, Billy? And is that more or less than during the entire Apartheid era?
Billy Pulver
Guest
yes the ANC had no right to fight apartheid huh ;)
Billy Pulver
Guest
yes they should have just accepted apartheid they didn't target civilians btw there was collatera; damage of course...thats the price of freedom fighting sadly
Vic
Guest
No Billy, you should learn yours. The ANC was, and is, a brutal and corrupt organization, using terror and murder to intimidate not only the local populace, but anyone who oppose them. And still do. There is a huge difference between brutal murder of innocent civilians and sabotage. What they were good at was spinning a web of lies and falsehoods to dupe well meaning Westerners, who lapped it up, poured billions of dollars into the bank accounts of the likes of Winnie Mandela, and have now all disappeared since the change in regime, and who refuse to hold the ANC regime to account, or even just to the same standards they expected of the Apartheid regime. Do not be so gullible. Nelson Mandela appeared to have grown wiser and gentler with age, or he was just a very smart politician, I don't know. But he was completely shafted and ignored by the ANC after he retired, only brought out to impress the Western press on occasion.
The Hanging Chad
Guest
For the people at home: Umkhonto we Sizwe Sabotage should not include the killing of innocents.
Billy Pulver
Guest
there is a difference between freedom fighting for an oppressed people and being a terrorist. learn your history.. the ANC used every peaceful means necessary and turned to sabotage for nothing less than to to free their people. from apartheid... grow a brain!
The Hanging Chad
Guest
Mandela was a terrorist plain and simple. What ever great things he did in later life should not expunge that he was the head of an organisation that murdered rivals.
atlas
Guest
understand he kicked the winning drop goal in extra time, or something like that
pjm
Roar Rookie
What did he do?
RedsKing
Guest
Agree. The 95 world cup and the Boks epic win in the final is overshadowed with Madiba magic. I mean, how often do you hear the name Kitch Christie? World Cup winning coach, never lost a Bok test match, yet no one ever talks about him. It is as if Mandela coached the Boks.
AndyS
Guest
I know it probably won't be a popular opinion, but I think this is a poor decision. SA Rugby can do what it likes, but world rugby should not be celebrating political acts, because what Mandela did had nothing to do with Rugby, it was pure politics. Would they be inducting a Provisional IRA member who linked rugby to their peace process?
riddler
Guest
incredible person.. words will never do justice..