Springboks block questions on Andre Esterhuizen racial slur controversy

The Springboks have declined to address questions regarding a 14-year-old racial slur controversy involving newly appointed captain Andre Esterhuizen. Ahead of the upcoming Test match against the Wallabies in Perth, South African rugby officials instructed journalists to restrict their inquiries to on-field matters.

During a press conference, media manager Zeena Isaacs requested that reporters respect the boundary and focus on the game rather than social media discussions. When a journalist attempted to ask Esterhuizen about the incident, officials intervened to shut down the line of questioning.

The controversy stems from a 2012 incident at Klerksdorp High, where Esterhuizen was found guilty of using a racial slur. At the time, the transgression resulted in a one-year suspension and his removal from the Leopards Craven Week squad. The decision by head coach Rassie Erasmus to appoint Esterhuizen as the 68th Test captain has drawn significant criticism on social media, with some commentators calling for the player to address the matter personally.