South African Rugby
SARU reverse policy on Maori
ESPNscrum Staff
December 3, 2010
The New Zealand Maori perform their traditional Haka before kick off against England, McLean Park, Napier,  New Zealand, June 23, 2010
The New Zealand Maori have been cleared to play South Africa © Getty Images
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The way has been paved for future showdowns between the Springboks and New Zealand Maori after the South African Rugby Union (SARU) amdended its policy on fixtures between the sides.

The Maori, who celebrated their centenary earlier this year with victories over Ireland and England in tour matches, were slated to face South Africa in the build-up to last year's British & Irish Lions series but the plans were shelved as SARU deemed the Maori a team selected along racial lines.

Already this year SARU has issued an apology to those players excluded on racial grounds from touring South Africa with the All Blacks in 1928, 1949 and 1960.

"The [General] Council agreed to adopt the policy pertaining to the New Zealand Maori, which now paves the way for matches between South African teams and the Maoris," a statement from SARU read.

Union president Oregan Hoskins added: "South Africa will play against any team which has the official blessing of its national governing body."

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