Sports / Rugby
Mbalula blocks Zim born player from playing for Springboks
24 Nov 2012 at 13:59hrs | Views
JOHANNESBURG - South African sports minister Fikile Mbalula has refused to grant the South African Rugby Union (Saru) a special concession to allow Zimbabwean-born prop Brian Mujati to play for the Springboks again.
According to the Eyewitness News Sport website, in a written letter to Saru, Mbalula advised that the only way for Mujati to play for the Boks is if the correct process is pursued.
The ministry said Mujati should be formerly naturalised and carry a national passport as all sportspeople representing a national team are required to do by law.
Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer had requested that Mujati be allowed to join the team on their current European tour.
Mujati, 28, was born in Bulawayo and played 12 Tests for the Springboks in 2008.
Mujati is now a British citizen and is currently playing for English club Northampton where he has received rave reviews.
According to the Eyewitness News Sport website, in a written letter to Saru, Mbalula advised that the only way for Mujati to play for the Boks is if the correct process is pursued.
The ministry said Mujati should be formerly naturalised and carry a national passport as all sportspeople representing a national team are required to do by law.
Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer had requested that Mujati be allowed to join the team on their current European tour.
Mujati, 28, was born in Bulawayo and played 12 Tests for the Springboks in 2008.
Mujati is now a British citizen and is currently playing for English club Northampton where he has received rave reviews.
Source - sports24
