1970 New Zealand tour of South Africa (jun 20, 1970 – sep 12, 1970)

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It was the first time New Zealand had been able to include Māori and Pacific Island players in their travelling party to the then apartheid republic, albeit carrying the token label of “honorary whites”.

Selecting budding superstar Bryan ‘Beegee’ Williams, Sid Going, Buff Milner and Blair Furlong in the group. Williams was of Samoan descent and the other three had Māori blood. So they could not have been selected to tour South Africa because of the colour of their skin, as had been the case in 1928, 1949 and 1960.

Williams: “In the event I’m glad I went, alongside my three Māori team-mates. I think I played a part in breaking down apartheid. When you go to South Africa and you’re able to show to the rugby folk there that you’re every bit as good as they are, I think it had an impact. I’ve got no regrets about going.”

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