Rugby, racism and the battle for the soul of Aotearoa New Zealand | John Minto
The Springboks’ tour and the protests that ensued 40 years ago helped set the fight for Māori rights on a stronger path
The 1981 Springbok rugby tour of New Zealand will always have a special place in any narrative about the international fight against apartheid in South Africa.
The protests against the Springboks reverberated around the world – delivering a savage psychological blow to South Africa’s white regime while giving a resounding boost to the oppressed majority.