Sarfu chief executive Rian Oberholzer is happy with the number of black representatives in the South African Super 12 squads and said it is sad that the whole issue has been brought up again.

Oberholzer was approached for comment after Sarfu's general manager of transformation Songezo Nayo said he believes the composition of the Sharks team has not helped the process of change in rugby. Nayo told a newspaper he was shocked to see only two Eastern Cape players (Ricardo Loubscher of Eastern Province and Bennie Jacobs of Border) in the 26-member squad.

Oberholzer on Monday said Nayo spoke in his personal capacity and not on Sarfu's behalf. "We at Sarfu have accepted the teams and we are not going to get involved in a debate about it. The issue will be taken up with Songezo and we are not going to comment on it any more."

Last week the ministry of sport launched a scathing attack on the Stormers after only three black players were included in their squad for this year's Super 12 campaign.

"It's lamentable that a region such as the Stormers, which has access to a huge pool of black players, consistently fails to reflect this in its teams," said Graham Abrahams, speaking for Ngconde Balfour, the minister of sport.

Abrahams praised the Bulls, Sharks (four black players) and Cats (five black players) on their initiatives to broaden the diversity of their squads.

Oberholzer said Sarfu has clearly stated its position on this matter. "The Stormers issue has been handled by us and the ministry has stated its position. It's a pity it has happened, but they (the Stormers) had a problem with the injury to two top players."

According to Oberholzer the executive committee of Sarfu didn't feel the need to push for an increase in the amount of black players in the Super 12 squads. According to a "gentleman's agreement" between Sarfu and the four Super 12 coaches, there should be one black player on the field at all times and one on the bench. There must be at least three black players in a 30-man squad.

"The executive committee took a decision last year that the agreement stays intact and there was never any need to change it," Oberholzer said. "We are happy that more players are getting the opportunity to play at this level and to us it's an indication that we were right to introduce the quota system at Currie Cup level," he added.

Last year 12 black players were selected for the Super 12 squads. Twelve of this year's sixteen are current or former Springboks.