1981 South Africa rugby union tour of New Zealand and the United States union was once again the dominant sport – in both spectator and participant numbers – in New Zealand. 1981 South Africa rugby union tour of New Zealand and the United States The 1981 South African rugby tour (known in New Zealand as the Springbok Tour, and in South Africa as the Rebel Tour) polarised opinions and inspired widespread protests across New Zealand. The controversy also extended to the United States, where the South African rugby team continued their tour after departing New Zealand. Apartheid had made South Africa an international pariah, and other countries were strongly discouraged from having sporting
1906–07 South Africa rugby union tour of Europe 1906–07 South Africa rugby union tour of Europe The 1906–07 South Africa tour of Europe was a collection of friendly rugby union games undertaken by the South Africa national team against the four British Home Nation teams. The tour also took in several matches against British and Irish club, county and invitational teams before finally travelling to France to play the national team. This was the inaugural South Africa tour and is recognised as the event that coined the phrase "Springboks" as a nickname for the South African team. The sports-themed South African novelty song "The Springboks' Waltz" was released