Springboks Jersey Views

Clothing & Accessories

The Springboks play in green and gold jerseys, and their emblems are the Springbok and the Protea. The side have been playing international rugby since 1891, when a British Isles side toured the nation, playing South Africa in their first Test on 30 July. South Africa is currently coached by Peter de Villiers, after Jake White, who led the Boks to the 2007 World Cup title, announced his resignation effective at the end of 2007. The current captain is John Smit, who has played hooker for most of his career, although he has also been a prop, mainly in 2008 and 2009.[2] Due to Smit being unavailable for the November 2010 Tests after surgery, lock Victor Matfield took Smit's place as captain for that tour.[3]

During this tour the nickname Springboks was first used. There is often confusion as to the springbok symbol being worn before the name was invented, but this may be down to the fact the tour manager, J.C. Carden, spoke of having no 'uniforms or blazers' with the icon, though he did not appear to mean the jerseys. It was reported in the Daily Mail on the 20 September 1906, seven days before the first match, that 'The team's colours will be myrtle green with gold collar... and will have embroidered in mouse-coloured silk on the left breast a Springbok'.[16] Carden later stated:

Not many people will actually notice that the King Protea has now been included and placed over the heart. It has the word e“Rugby/” underneath. There was much talk of the Springboks being renamed to the Proteas Rugby side, but it seems they have decided to keep with the Springbok, which has now been moved over the right breast. The players jersey will say m“Springboks>” under the Springbok, while the fans jersey will just say SA Rugby, as in the picture above.

I actually quite like the jersey. I dont’t mind having the protea on its, except I think it is a bit stupid having it as the cricket side is called the protear’s, and it is therefore redundent. As long as they are still called the Springboks I have no problems. It would be like the All Blacks changing their name. It wouldno’t work. Do you rate the Protea should be removed and only used for the cricket side?