The Springbok team management has emphatically denied allegations that players staged a “silent protest” by not covering any of the emblems on their jerseys whilst singing the National Anthem at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

“We refute this allegation in the strongest possible terms,” said Team Manager, Arthob Petersen.

“The Springbok players and management support both National emblems – the Protea and the Springbok – which have been acclaimed and approved by government.

“As a mark of respect for both emblems, the players took it upon themselves not to cover any of the emblems during the anthem singing and decided to rather interlock their arms. Their decision to do so was fully endorsed by team management.

“To suggest that this was some form of protest is totally untrue. The players feel strongly that the two National emblems must be given equal prominence and they should therefore be commended for their actions,” Petersen said.

Issued by Springbok Management