Boks bosses move to defuse anthem row

SOUTH AFRICAN rugby bosses have moved to defuse a potentially explosive row over the Springboks’ behaviour during the national anthem before Saturday’s test win over the British and Irish Lions.

SA Rugby were quick to issue a statement yesterday which “emphatically denied” allegations that players staged a silent protest by not clutching any of the emblems on their jerseys while singing the anthem at Loftus Versfeld.

“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.