Esterhuizen captaincy questioned after resurfaced schoolboy racial slur incident

André Esterhuizen has been named to captain the Springboks for the Test against Australia, but his appointment has prompted debate after details of a racial abuse incident from his schoolboy days resurfaced on social media.

What has resurfaced

Social media attention focused on an incident from 2012, when Esterhuizen was 18 and playing for Klerksdorp High School against Potchefstroom Gymnasium. He was found guilty of directing a racial slur at Thabo Molete, who was then first-team coach at Potchefstroom Gymnasium and coach of the Leopards’ Grant Khomo side.

At the time, Esterhuizen appeared before a Leopards Rugby Union disciplinary panel. The panel handed him a one-year ban, suspended for six months on condition that he completed a life skills course. He was also removed from the Leopards’ Craven Week squad.

Public reaction and social media

The resurfacing of the matter drew broad attention on social media. Broadcaster Anele Mdoda shared a post of a 14-year-old news report on X and wrote:

“He should be banned from playing rugby period!”

Context from IOL and responses sought

According to IOL, the decision to appoint Esterhuizen as captain was explained by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus during a squad announcement, with Erasmus noting Esterhuizen’s leadership growth, versatility and commitment to the national team structure as reasons for the choice.

According to IOL, Esterhuizen started his professional career at the Sharks two years after the 2012 incident and is set to become the 68th captain of the Springboks for the one-off Test in Perth.

According to IOL, IOL Sport reached out to former Leopards president Andre May, who was unwilling to comment on the matter. IOL Sport also reached out to SA Rugby’s communications department for comment on Wednesday afternoon, but is still awaiting a reply.

What happens next

The Test against Australia is scheduled to be played at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, with kickoff listed as 11:45am SA time in the squad announcement reported by IOL.