Alternative NameThe TourSummaryThe 1981 South African rugby team (the 'Springboks') tours New Zealand amidst controversyDescriptionThe South African rugby team's 1981 tour of New Zealand was highly controversial, due to the South African government's apartheid policies. Civil disturbance and heated debate occurred around New Zealand, between those who supported the tour and those who didn't. On August 7, 1981, 12 days before South Canterbury was to play the Springboks in Timaru, the New Zealand Rugby Football Union cancelled the match, claiming security concerns. DateJul-Sep 1981SubjectSport