All Blacks versus Springboks - how apartheid affected the tours

Springbok tour to NZ

1921

A South African journalist is appalled that the Springboks should have to play a Maori team.

All Black tour to SA

1928

Maori excluded from tour

Springbok tour to NZ

1937

NZ Rugby Union decides not to field a Maori team.

All Black tour to SA

1949

Maori excluded from tour

Springbok tour to NZ

1956

Springboks welcomed. Only limited protests.

All Black tour to SA

1960

Maori excluded from tour

Springbok tour to NZ

1965

Springboks welcomed. Only limited protests

Proposed All Black tour of SA

1968

Prime Minister Holyoake stops the tour because of the NZ rugby union intention to exclude Maori.

All Black tour to SA

1970

Maori included as "honourary whites".

Proposed Springbok tour of NZ

1973

Prime Minister Kirk stops the tour, fearing a boycott of the 1974 Commonwealth Games

All Black tour to SA

1976

Prime Minister Muldoon allows the tour to go ahead despite international opposition