Watson: Rugby’s long road ahead

Cheeky Watson is delighted that his son Luke will make his Test debut on Saturday but feels South African rugby still has a long transformation road ahead of it writes Stephen Nell for Superrugby.

Luke, captain and star flank of the Stormers, and Sharks centre Waylon Murray will represent South Africa for the first time when they turn out against Samoa at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.

“It’s not about Luke,” Cheeky said on Wednesday. “I am happy for him but there is still a long road to go for transformation in South African rugby.”

Watson, who gave up his claims for a Springbok jersey when he played non-racial rugby in 1976, has already arrived in Johannesburg to support his son on Saturday.

“Luke called me on Tuesday to inform me that he would be playing. I told him to give everything he has.

“The only other encouragement I can give him is to tell him there are many people who support him.”

Watson said his son, who has been included in the national team against the wishes of Springbok coach Jake White, had been reading the Bible a lot this week.

Asked whether Luke’s Test debut would justify his own sacrifices 30 years ago, Watson said: “The sacrifices I made were never for Luke but for a South African team that is representative of this country.

“There are still many challenges ahead to convince everyone in South Africa to accept our democracy.”

Michael Green reports from Johannesburg that Luke Watson is looking forward to his first Test match.

“Everyone knows there was controversy over my inclusion in the Springbok team but in the first place I am very glad that I’m going to wear the green and gold.

“I do not see my inclusion as the completion of any family business. I’d rather say I am contributing a new dimension to the family business,” he said.