Nelson Mandela & Francois Pienaarin 1995, winning the Rugby World Cup
The late former South African state President Nelson Mandela had been, posthumously, inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
The special ceremony took place at St James’ Park in Newcastle on Saturday, before the Springboks’ 34 / 16 victory over Scotland in a World Cup Pool B match.
World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset presented the coveted Hall of Fame cap to the Deputy Minister of Sport and Recreation, Gert Oosthuizen and Francois Pienaar, captain of the South Africa team that won the Rugby World Cup of 1995 on home soil.
Lapasset said: “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.
“Mandela certainly fits in that category.
“He was instrumental in turning 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.”
South African Rugby Union President and World Rugby vice-chairman Oregan Hoskins said: “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.
“His name will rank among the greatest humanitarians and this induction reflects rugby’s ever-lasting friendship and appreciation for a great man.”
Now, I know this is not going to go down well in some quarters………………………………But WTF.
And yes, I know in SA, and for that matter, in most of the Free World,…………………………………….. well, actually most of the World,…………….. Free or Otherwise.
Nelson, is as close to being a Saint, as it is possible to get………………without the Popes Blessing.
And yes, if Nelson was a Roman Catholic, he would most likely already be a Saint.
And yes, he is a Noble Prize winner. For Peace. ……………………………………………………..No greater accolade can be placed upon a human being.
And……………………………………………………………if I could dine with 4 individuals, of my choice, past or present they would be,……….
– Helen Clark………………………………a former PM of NZ.
– Nelson.
– Pete Townsend.
– and Eve…………………….(the original).
BUT…………………………………This is Friggen Outragous…………………………………………………….his endorsement of the Boks was, and can only be seen as a blatant Domestic Political/Nationalistic PR exercise. (not that I am disagreeing with his good intentions).
But The”””Rugby Hall of Fame””””.
This is one accolade Nelson could do without.
And one the Hall Of Fame should never have dished out.
What next, Queen Elizabeth the Second, for attending the Royal Box at Twickers.
Prince Harry for his dedication to England.
Brumbies Boy for ……………………………………………being a horse.
keo ……………………….for overcoming …………………………..well for overcoming……………………………..whatever that means.
Skim ……………………………..for his skilful manipulation of numbers.
Skoppie …………………………………for his perseverance.
Nama ……………………………for daring to express himself.
Wallabie………………………………for stirring things up.
I mean no disrespect to Nelson.
But this Award …………………………………..Sucks.
It’s just plain stupid.
And…………………………………………….For what it is worth.
If anyone could actually ask Nelson, about this Award.
I’m sure he would have said, ” Give it to Rubin or Chester, please, I didn’t even raise a sweat”.
1 & 2 @ cane:
Interesting perspective…. BUT… and it is a big BUT.
South Africa had been re-introduced to the world order of rugby in 1992 and the world and South Africa desperately needed healing, something the great sport of rugby could do, even if temporarily.
It’s not about only what happened at Ellis Park during the Rugby World Cup Final in 1995, Nelson Madiba Mandela countered and subdued many, many detractors by openly endorsing Springbok participation as well as the hosting of the Rugby World Cup in SA at the time.
He played an absolutely vital role in the 1995 Rugby World Cup… an event which enriched rugby in general and South Africa as a nation.
For that I feel that it is more than just to herald his contribution and to include him in the World Rugby Hall Of Fame… much to the dismay that mostly New Zealand and All Blacks supporters like you would feel in the aftermath of your loss in the final of that epic tournament.
Now if a rugby commentator (The voice of Rugby – Bill McLaren) could be inducted, then I do not see why Nelson Mandela could not also be inducted!
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