The New Zealand Rugby Union remains hopeful that a match against the Springboks will take place this year, NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said today.
Mr Sorensen said a number of discussions on the possibility of a NZ Maori – Springboks match had been held with SA Rugby acting managing director Andy Marinos and supported by Springboks coach Peter de Villiers.
“As we said in December, we have been working very hard to try and arrange a fixture for the New Zealand Maori team for this year and the Springboks match is the one we are currently pursuing.
“Obviously, it would be fantastic for New Zealand Maori, the Springboks and their respective fans if the match took place but it is still early days and we know that there are a number of hurdles that need to be cleared if the match is to be confirmed.”
Mr Sorensen said the SA Rugby President’s Council resolution which reportedly forbids SA Rugby teams playing against teams selected along racial lines had not come up so far in the discussions between the NZRU and SA Rugby.
“That is obviously just one of the many things that SA Rugby will need to discuss internally but we obviously hope that the match will take place and will hold further talks with SA Rugby over the coming weeks.”
New Zealand Maori last toured South Africa in 1994, playing four matches against Vaal Triangle, Free State, Griqualand West and Eastern Province.
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