South Africa apologise for ‘highly regrettable’ acts after breaking tradition during New Zealand haka
SOUTH AFRICA RUGBY UNION has apologised to New Zealand for allowing the Haka to be disrupted before Saturday’s Rugby Championship match in Johannesburg.
Traditionally, opposition teams and fans remain silent while New Zealand perform the Haka prior to a rugby match.
However, the ceremonial Māori dance was interrupted on Saturday by music and fireworks at Emirates Airline Park.
A plane also flew over the stadium in the final moments of the Haka.
But SA Rugby chief executive Rian Oberholzer has claimed it was “human error” that led to the disruption.
He also revealed that an apology has already been made to New Zealand.
Oberholzer said: “I apologised in person and have written to the NZRFU to formally express our regret and apologies for what occurred.
“It was never the intention to schedule any activities that would coincide with such an iconic moment of any Test match against the All Blacks.
“In the confusion, the crowd’s excited cheering was mistaken to have marked the conclusion of the Haka by an unsighted sound engineer who restarted the music programme.
“It was highly regrettable but in no way deliberate.”
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Why do New Zealand perform the Haka?
The All Blacks perform the Haka before every international match.
It is one of rugby’s best known traditions and is widely respected by fans and players.
Players perform the ceremonial Māori dance to display their pride, strength and unity.
Origins of the Haka date back to Maori culture and it is commonly known as a war dance used to fire up warriors on the battlefield.
It is also a customary way to celebrate, entertain, welcome, and challenge visiting tribes.
The All Blacks accepted the apology on Tuesday, with assistant coach Jason Ryan admitting: “In all honesty you sometimes get a bit of chaos around that.
“The South African players themselves stood there and respected it as they always do.”
He jokingly added: “It’s probably the officials are the ones who need the uppercut.
“They’ve made the apology, it’s fine.”
The Springboks came from behind to win the thrilling Rugby Championship match 31-27.