The 1981 Springbok tour schedule (map)

 

Step through to find out what happened at different games when the Springboks visited in 1981.

This was a tour of New Zealand's provincial heartland – to the homes of grassroots rugby – but the 1981 Springbok tour, which began in Gisborne on 22 July, pitched New Zealanders against each other.

Anti-tour protestors turned up to every match, and in centres all around the country match day became a day of action. At the three test matches, in particular, pro-tour and rugby fans clashed head on with the anti-tour movement.

Many have commented that it was a miracle that no one was killed. The police presence grew during the tour and included two riot squads, Red and Blue. Kitted out in visored helmets and carrying PR24s or long batons, they became an enduring symbol of the tour, as were the anti-tour protestors in their crash helmets, shields and body armour.

Community contributions

No comments have been posted about The 1981 Springbok tour schedule (map)

What do you know?