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Sharks players take to the field wearing jerseys with a message
Sydney Seshibedi / Gallo Images
SA Rugby have re-committed to a campaign called Rugby Against Discrimination and Racism (RADAR) while rugby resumes in South Africa with the Super Fan Saturday showdown.
RADAR was first launched on July 20, 2019 to “demonstrate rugby’s commitment to eradicating all forms of discrimination in the game.”
Since then, the campaign has been revised and renewed by the rugby organization in light of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Before the inaugural Bulls-Sharks meeting at Loftus Versfeld, a creed was read in the stadium and incorporated into the SuperSport broadcast.
The campaign was the result of a collaboration with the South African Human Rights Commission.
Sharks players took to the field wearing jerseys with a message: ‘We say no to racism.’
Both teams came together, but neither knelt, which has become a renowned gesture in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
“The approach has been reached by consensus between rugby unions and MyPlayers, but does not exclude the freedom of individuals or teams to express themselves on the issue as they see fit,” their statement reads.
The creed will be played again before the Lions and Stormers game (7pm) and in the Springbok Green v Gold clash in Newlands on October 3.
RADAR messaging will also be incorporated into the stadium brand.
CREDO DE DIVERSIDAD Y INCLUSIÓN SA RUGBY
South African rugby is committed to an environment where everyone is welcome, regardless of race, color, creed or gender.
We recognize the painful inequalities of our country’s past – and its present – and that they must be eradicated.
We must continually maintain and improve a fair and respectful environment, where people of different origins feel accepted and valued.
An environment that recognizes and embodies the fact that everyone is worthy of being heard and in which everyone can thrive.
We recognize that the only thing that separates one person from another is opportunity.
That we must do more to eliminate discrimination and inequality between administrators, players and officials.
That we must work harder to create a culture where each person feels seen, heard and supported.
We recognize that the South African Bill of Rights grants everyone the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion.
But we are determined to stand against racists and racism and discrimination of any kind.
Ours is a sport for everyone; where we celebrate diversity and inclusion; and we are committed to a better future for all.
We celebrate success together; and we suffer pain, deprivation and loss together.
Our focus is on the things that unite us, not the things that would divide us.
We are South Africa, with all its challenges, problems and disparities.
But as South Africans we have shown that together we are stronger. We will not be divided.
– Compiled by Sport24 staff
