A closer look at tour

HCLE 01398 v2

40 years ago last Sunday, Rugby Park was packed for the first Saturday game of the 1981 South African rugby tour of New Zealand. The tour had sparked controversy around New Zealand for months, and tensions were high with over 500 police officers in the city. Anti-tour demonstrators invaded the pitch just before kick-off and were surrounded by police on the field. A protestor had stolen a light plane in Taupo and it was believed he was heading for the stadium, so amid safety concerns police cancelled the match. This led to angry rugby spectators to attack protestors as they were led from the ground. All of this was viewed live around the world including in South Africa, marking the start of almost three months of demonstrations around the country.

More images of the anti-tour movement are currently on display at Waikato Museum in their exhibition, 1981 which is open until 26 September.

Contributed by Rowan Miller, Digital Delivery Librarian, Hamilton City Libraries. Explore more of our heritage collection online by scanning the QR code. For further information or to contribute information about the items highlighted, please contact archives@hcc.govt.nz quoting HCLE_01398.