The Springbok rugby team receives the State President Sports Award

On 20 February 1970, the Springbok rugby team was presented with the State President Sports Award. The event took place in the Lady Ann Barnard Room at the Castle, presented by the State President J.J. Fouche. It is significant that the award was made at the time when South Africa was barred from taking part in international sports competitions, including rugby. The Award was handed to Corrie Bornman, Springboks' team manager. It was in the form of a medal framed with a certificate. The Award was then taken to South African Rugby Board (SARB) headquaters to be displayed. It was presented to the team in recognition of the dignified, sportsmanlike and disciplined manner in which the players conducted themselves. At that time, the Minister of Sport was Frank Woring. It is unclear how these merits of the rugby team were determined, considering the fact that the Springboks hardly played against any international opposition.