Brown All Blacks In Apartheid South Africa: Sir Bryan Williams 1970 Tour
- Aug 25, 2026
- 9:43
- Full Episode
Sir Bryan Williams was just 19 when he became an All Black - and was immediately selected for one of the most controversial rugby tours in New Zealand history.
Because of his Samoan heritage, Bryan could only enter apartheid-era South Africa after being classified as an “honorary white.” It was an appalling label, but declining the tour could have ended his international career before it had properly begun.
In this Fast Cast, Sir Bryan reflects on that impossible decision, the racial segregation he encountered and the conflicting emotions of representing New Zealand in a country where people who looked like him were denied basic rights.
Sir Bryan Williams is one of New Zealand rugby’s most influential figures. He played 113 matches for the All Blacks, including 38 Tests, and later coached Samoa, Auckland and the Hurricanes. He has also served as president of New Zealand Rugby and has been inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
This Fast Cast has been taken from Sir Bryan’s full appearance on The Dom Harvey Podcast. Search “Sir Bryan Williams Dom Harvey Podcast” to hear the complete conversation.
Listen via Apple Music: https://rebrand.ly/RunnersOnly_Apple Listen via Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/RunnersOnly_Spotify
Who should be on the podcast next? Message Dom Instagram: @domharveynz Email: [email protected]
If you enjoyed the podcast and would like for your business to sponsor an episode, please email [email protected]
Brief Summary
The episode discusses race and sports during apartheid, featuring a guest's experiences as an All Black rugby player.
Key points
- Honorary White Status. The concept of 'Honorary white status' in apartheid South Africa raises eyebrows.
- Panic Attack on Arrival. A young athlete experiences a panic attack upon arriving in South Africa.
- Scoring a Try. The moment of scoring a try brings a sense of belonging.
Episode highlights
- Honorary White StatusThe concept of 'Honorary white status' in apartheid South Africa raises eyebrows.“Huh? What What's that?”0:21Aug 25, 2026
- Panic Attack on ArrivalA young athlete experiences a panic attack upon arriving in South Africa.“I virtually had to be coaxed off the plane by my teammates.”1:30Aug 25, 2026
- Scoring a TryThe moment of scoring a try brings a sense of belonging.“You're one of us now mate. Good boy.”5:34Aug 25, 2026
