The South African Rugby Union (SARU) defended its decision to add Luke Watson to the Springboks squad against the wishes of the national selectors.
Watson was attached to his first Boks squad by SARU president Oregan Hoskins, deputy Koos Basson and vice president Mike Stofile on Saturday, causing selectors convener Peter Jooste to say his panel was undermined by the administrators and unhappy with the procedure.
"We accept that not all role-players in the selection process were in agreement on some of the players selected," the union said in a statement on Monday. "Having said that, we are convinced that SA Rugby has named the best available 46 players for the training camp."
PHOTO: AFP
"As is the case with any team selection, it is extremely difficult to find absolute consensus on who should be in the team," the statement said.
The squad, without the Sharks and Bulls players preparing for the Super 14 final, will gather today in Bloemfontein and be trimmed to 30 on Friday.
Asked if Watson didn't make Friday's cut, whether the SA Rugby presidency would step in again, Jooste told the Cape Times, "I hope not. I can't say beforehand, but it is not ideal."
Watson, the Stormers captain and flanker, was keen to shake off the controversy.
"I am in the squad now, so there's no turning back," he said. "I am honored and privileged to be called up and I hope to make the most of the opportunity. I have worked hard to get to this point and now I'm going to work even harder to stay in the squad."
Many in the Springboks squad were said to have become resentful of Watson because of his long-running feud with coach Jake White, but Watson said he wasn't worried about a possible cold reception.
"I'm not concerned about how the players will react to me," he said. "I am friendly with many of the Sharks guys, while there will be quite a few Stormers players there as well. I hope to do my best and take it from there."
His father was former anti-apartheid activist Dan "Cheeky" Watson, who declined selection for the Springboks in 1976 because of apartheid.
"My dad still has strong political views and I support him fully," Luke Watson told the Cape Times. "I am proud to have made it this far, but there is still a long way to go [before I win a Springbok cap]."
South Africa's first Test match against England is on May 26 at Bloemfontein.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely