Furore as Springbok emblem is relegated

Former Springboks have expressed their disgust and shock that the Springbok emblem has for the first time in its 105-year history been bumped off the chest of the jersey.

However, the removal of the emblem from the chest of the jersey the South African team will wear at this year's World Cup, came as no surprise at the unveiling of the garment this week. The National Colours Act demands that all national teams wear the Protea on the left breast.

As a result, the Springbok emblem had to shift to the right breast in 2010.

But laws governing the World Cup - which stipulate that only three logos can be displayed on the front of the jersey - have forced the Bok emblem to move to the left sleeve to accommodate the Rugby World Cup logo, the Protea and Canterbury, the sponsor's logo.

The SA Rugby Union pleaded with the International Rugby Board to have four logos on the front of the jersey, but were denied permission to do so.

The move is only temporary, however, as the emblem will return to its original place once the tournament is over.

Gysie Pienaar, who played fullback for the Boks in the 1980s, said he was disappointed at the move.

"The Bok has such a long tradition. It's a great pity and a sad day," Pienaar, father of Ruan Pienaar, said.

Schalk Burger snr, father of Schalk Burger, who is expected to make the final World Cup squad, said it was "absurd" that the Bok emblem would not be on the jersey's chest.

"They could have moved [the Protea] to the sleeve. It's bloody politics."

Syd Nomis, famous for his great try against the All Blacks in 1970, said it's "ridiculous".

"I don't agree with it. Why isn't the World Cup emblem on the sleeve? It's totally wrong."

Australia have also had to move the Wallaby logo to the sleeve of their jersey for the same reason.

"The decision was very straightforward in the end as our attempts to find a place for the Springbok on the front of the jersey failed to find favour," said Dr Jan Marais, chairman of the Saru executive council.

"We were left with no choice and the important point to note is that this application will only be for IRB World Cup events."

Rugby commentator Hugh Bladen said it was a shame that the emblem won't be on the players' chests.

"Being a traditionalist, I would like to see the Springbok emblem on the heart," he said.

Bladen said, however, that it was a "sign of the times" because rugby had become so commercialised.

"In the old days there were no logos. Now there are logos everywhere," Bladen said.